Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has won a major award for agricultural progress and security improvements. BusinessDay Media Limited presented the honour at its 2026 States Competitiveness and Investment Readiness Awards ceremony in Abuja on Thursday.
The award recognises his administration's work in farming, food security and community protection efforts. It also acknowledges the government's approach of linking economic reforms with security strategies.
Radda didn't attend the event in person. His Deputy, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, collected the award on his behalf.
Speaking through his deputy, Radda thanked BusinessDay for the recognition. "This award affirms our commitment to building a secure, prosperous and economically vibrant Katsina State," he noted.
According to the governor, the honour reflects progress in transforming agriculture and strengthening security. He also highlighted efforts to expand opportunities for the people of Katsina.
Jobe promised the administration would keep pursuing policies to boost economic growth. Food security improvement and investment attraction remain priorities, he said.
The deputy governor dedicated the award to Katsina's resilient residents. "Their support continues to inspire our drive for inclusive development," Jobe stated.
Frank Aigbogun, Publisher and CEO of BusinessDay Media Limited, explained the awards' purpose. He said they celebrate governors driving job creation, reducing poverty and improving security nationwide.
Aigbogun noted the platform encourages healthy competition among states. It also promotes transparency, accountability and measurable results in development.
"The awards celebrate governors making significant contributions to economic growth and investment readiness," he told the audience. Aigbogun added that the initiative pushes states toward sustainable development and competitiveness.
Other governors honoured that day included Umar Namadi of Jigawa State. He won an agricultural transformation and rural development award.
Hyacinth Alia of Benue State received an infrastructure and urban renewal recognition. Bauchi's Bala Mohammed was honoured for governance, economic reforms and human capital development.
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah also received an award at the ceremony. So did Adamawa's Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Borno's Babagana Umara Zulum and Yobe's Mai Mala Buni.
All five were recognised for their contributions to governance and economic growth. Their respective states showed measurable progress in development initiatives.
The BusinessDay SCIRA is widely regarded as Nigeria's leading platform. It recognises excellence in governance and sustainable economic competitiveness across the nation.
