Dikko Umar Radda

Dikko Umar Radda
Governor of Katsina State
Assumed office
29 May 2023
DeputyFaruk Lawal Jobe
Preceded byAminu Bello Masari
Chairman of Charanchi Local Government Area
In office
2003–2008
Personal details
Born (1969-09-10) 10 September 1969 (age 55)
Dutsin-Ma, North-Central State (now in Katsina State), Nigeria
Political partyAll Progressives Congress
Residence(s)Katsina, Nigeria
EducationRadda Primary School
Zaria Teachers College
Alma materAbubakar Tafawa Balewa University
Ahmadu Bello University
Occupation
  • Politician
  • economist
Websitedikkoradda.com

Dikko Umar Radda (born 10 September 1969) is a Nigerian economist and politician. He was elected governor of Katsina State in the 2023 Nigerian gubernatorial elections.[1][2][3] He previously served as the director-general of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).[4][5]

Early life and education

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Dikko Umar Radda was born on 10 September 1969 in Hayin Gada Town, located in the Dutsin-Ma Local government area of Katsina state, Nigeria. He is of Fulani descent.

Radda attended Radda Primary School from 1974 to 1980. He proceeded to Zaria Teachers College, where he studied from 1980 to 1985.[6] In 1986, he enrolled at the Kafanchan College of Education and graduated in 1990 and obtained Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE). Radda earned a B-Tech in Agricultural Economics and Extension from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi, in 1996. He obtained a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.

Political career

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Between 2013 and 2015, Dikko Umar Radda actively contributed to the establishment of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria, helping solidify its structure as the party gained prominence. During this time, he served as the APC National Welfare Secretary from 2014 to 2015, playing a critical role in shaping the party's welfare strategies and strengthening its support base.

Following the APC's victory in the 2015 general elections, Radda was appointed Chief of Staff to Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari. In this role, he was instrumental in coordinating administrative activities and implementing policies aimed at advancing governance in the state. His tenure was marked by efforts to enhance public service delivery and address local governance challenges [7][8][9]

Philanthropy

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In 2016, Radda founded the Gwagware Foundation, which aims to support rural communities by providing basic social amenities. The foundation's initiatives have included the distribution of food supplies, provision of medical care, improvement of water access, and the creation of employment opportunities.[10]

The foundation has organized several activities, such as distributing supplies to local government areas affected by banditry. In 2022, the foundation trained 500 youths from Katsina State in computer skills and tailoring. Participants received start-up packs to support their entrepreneurial endeavors. The foundation has also donated educational materials, including 5,000 books to schools in the Batagarawa Local Government Area.[11][12]

Awards and Recognition

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  • Governor of the Year 2023 - Dr. Radda was honored with this award during the Leadership Conference and Awards for his exceptional contributions to Katsina State, particularly in addressing security challenges, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting educational and agricultural development.[13][14]
  • National Honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) - This prestigious award was conferred on him by the President of Nigeria in recognition of his remarkable efforts and achievements as Governor.[15]
  • Distinguished Leadership Award (2019) - Presented by the Nigeria Civil Service Union, recognizing his impactful leadership during his tenure as the Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). [16][17]
  • Public Sector Excellence Award (2022) - Bestowed by Revenue Magazine, acknowledging his dedication to public service and contributions to economic growth during his role at SMEDAN.[18][19]
  • Radda received the Distinguished Leadership Award from the Nigeria Civil Service Union in 2019.[20]
  • He was also honored with the Public Sector Excellence Award by Revenue Magazine in 2022.[21]

References

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  1. ^ Ogalah, Dunamis (29 May 2023). "Dikko takes oath of office as Katsina Governor". Daily Post. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  2. ^ Ibrahim, Ogalah (29 May 2023). "Dikko sworn in as Katsina Governor". Vanguard. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  3. ^ Egobiambu, Emmanuel (19 March 2023). "Dikko Radda Declared Katsina Governor-Elect". Channels Television. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  4. ^ Orimisan, Bankole (3 October 2016). "SMEDAN NICON Sign MOU On Insurance Cover". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
  5. ^ Abubakar, Yusuf (20 March 2023). "Dikko Umar Radda: 5 things to know about Katsina State's Governor-elect • Okay.ng". Okay.ng. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  6. ^ "Buhari Ya Sabunta Naɗin Umaru-Radda a Matsayin Shugaban SMEDAN". 19 March 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  7. ^ "Masari appoints APC's welfare secretary as Chief of Staff - Daily Trust". dailytrust.com/. 8 July 2015. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  8. ^ Kenneth (26 April 2024). "List Of Governors Of Katsina State (1987-Present)". NaijaDetails. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  9. ^ Telegraph-Admin, New (12 June 2024). "Special Report On Executive Governor Of Distinction In Nigeria". New Telegraph. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  10. ^ "more jobs, wealth opportunities for Nigerians underway-radda". triumphnews.org. 16 June 2016. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  11. ^ "Eid: SMEDAN DG donates 700 cows to less privileged in Katsina". daybreak.ng. 27 July 2021. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  12. ^ Sabo, Hamidu (31 January 2022). "Foundation donates 5,000 books to Katsina schools". Blueprint. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  13. ^ Tahir, Tahir Ibrahim (12 March 2024). "Well merited: Radda as Governor of the Year 2023". Blueprint Newspapers Limited. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  14. ^ Tahir, Tahir (2 June 2024). "Dr Dikko Radda: One Year Of Landmark Achievements In Katsina State". Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  15. ^ Tahir, Tahir (2 June 2024). "Dr Dikko Radda: One Year Of Landmark Achievements In Katsina State". Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  16. ^ Tahir, Tahir Ibrahim (12 March 2024). "Well merited: Radda as Governor of the Year 2023". Blueprint Newspapers Limited. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  17. ^ Tahir, Tahir (2 June 2024). "Dr Dikko Radda: One Year Of Landmark Achievements In Katsina State". Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  18. ^ Tahir, Tahir Ibrahim (12 March 2024). "Well merited: Radda as Governor of the Year 2023". Blueprint Newspapers Limited. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  19. ^ Tahir, Tahir (2 June 2024). "Dr Dikko Radda: One Year Of Landmark Achievements In Katsina State". Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  20. ^ Nwafor (29 May 2023). "Dikko sworn in as Katsina Governor". Vanguard News. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  21. ^ Onehi, Victoria (31 January 2022). "SMEDAN Boss Honoured for progress in msmes sector". Daily Trust. Retrieved 11 December 2019.