Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has sworn in three Special Advisers, charging them to deploy their professional expertise, administrative experience and political commitment towards advancing his administration’s Building Your Future Agenda.
The new appointees are Dr. Sirajo Yakubu Batagarawa, Mallam Abubakar Kabir Kusada and Ahmed Abduljalal. They took the oath of office at a ceremony held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Government House Katsina, where the governor emphasised the need for effective service delivery, accountability and tangible development outcomes.
Speaking during the ceremony, Radda described the appointments as a call to service rather than an opportunity for personal advantage, urging the advisers to demonstrate dedication and justify the confidence placed in them by the government and the people of Katsina State. He said their responsibilities required them to contribute meaningfully to governance and support the effective implementation of the administration’s policies and programmes.
The governor stressed that the appointees must bring their knowledge, professional competence and previous experiences to bear on the state’s development priorities, noting that public appointments come with significant responsibilities. He urged them to work diligently, maintain high standards of professionalism and focus on delivering measurable results that would improve the lives of residents across the state.
Radda also called on the new advisers to maintain close relationships with the people, listen to their concerns and ensure that government policies translate into practical benefits at the grassroots. He emphasised the importance of engaging relevant stakeholders, strengthening community participation in governance and ensuring that development initiatives respond to the needs and expectations of citizens.
The governor acknowledged the contributions and sacrifices of political stakeholders and supporters who had remained committed to the administration, stressing that recognising loyalty and dedication was important in sustaining effective governance and strengthening grassroots representation. He congratulated the appointees and urged them to work collaboratively with government officials and other stakeholders to advance the Building Your Future Agenda.
Dr. Sirajo Yakubu Batagarawa brings to his new assignment extensive experience spanning law, academia, public administration and security. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Law from the University of London and has worked as a university lecturer, combining academic expertise with practical experience in public service. His previous responsibilities included senior positions within the offices of the President and Vice-President, providing him with exposure to high-level government administration and policy processes.
His background in legal scholarship and public administration is expected to provide valuable professional insight in addressing governance issues and supporting the administration’s institutional priorities. With experience across academic and public-sector environments, Batagarawa brings a combination of analytical skills and administrative knowledge to his new responsibility as the government seeks to strengthen policy implementation and improve service delivery.
Mallam Abubakar Kabir Kusada also brings experience in education, administration and human resource management. He previously held administrative positions at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma before joining the Transmission Company of Nigeria, where he rose to the position of Assistant Manager. His professional background has exposed him to administrative coordination, organisational processes and personnel management within both academic and public-sector institutions.
Kusada’s experience in institutional administration and human resource management provides a foundation for contributing to the coordination of government activities and the implementation of development programmes. His appointment forms part of the administration’s effort to draw on the expertise of individuals with different professional backgrounds to support its governance objectives and strengthen the delivery of public services.
The third appointee, Ahmed Abduljalal, brings more than two decades of public service experience, alongside extensive grassroots political engagement. He holds a qualification in Animal Health and Husbandry from Maryam Abacha American University of Niger and has served in the Local Government Service Commission since 2001. His long-standing involvement in public service has provided him with experience in local administration and engagement with communities.
Abduljalal’s background in local government administration and grassroots political activities offers an additional perspective to the team of advisers, particularly in understanding community-level concerns and the practical challenges associated with delivering government programmes. His appointment also reflects the importance of connecting policy decisions with the realities of local communities as the administration pursues its development priorities.
The governor reiterated his expectation that the three advisers would demonstrate teamwork, professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility in carrying out their duties. He urged them to collaborate with relevant ministries, departments, agencies and other stakeholders, stressing that effective coordination would be essential to translating the government’s commitments into tangible improvements in the lives of the people.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Faruk Lawal Jobe; Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abdullahi Garba Faskari; Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; and Principal Private Secretary, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji. Members of the Katsina State Executive Council were also present, alongside family members, friends and well-wishers of the newly appointed advisers.
The appointments come as the Radda administration continues to pursue its Building Your Future Agenda, which provides the framework for its development priorities in Katsina State. By urging the new advisers to prioritise accountability, grassroots engagement and measurable outcomes, the governor underscored his expectation that their contributions would strengthen governance and support the delivery of programmes aimed at improving the welfare of the people.
