“Gov. Umar Radda is Performing Magic in Katsina” – Alhaji Babangida Bature Funtua

Published By Jerry Adesewo Last updated Apr 28, 2025

“Gov. Umar Radda is Performing Magic in Katsina” – Alhaji Babangida Bature Funtua

Alhaji Babangida Balarabe Funtua is a seasoned grassroots politician, and public affairs advocate whose journey into governance began at the local government level, where he served diligently for several years, as a Supervising Council of Funtua in Katrina State from where his commitment to community service and development later led to his transition into national service at the National Hajj Commission. Since 1999, Alhaji Bature has been actively involved in Nigeria’s democratic processes. He is a student of Umaru Musa Yar’adua’s political school.

In this exclusive interview with our editor-in-chief, Omo’Oba Jerry Adesewo, he delivered unequivocally, a mid-term assessment of Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s administration.

OurNigeria: It is two years into Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s administration, how would you rate his overall performance?

Mallam Bature: Honestly, if an election were called today, I swear to God, my vote would go to Mallam Dikko. He has done a very good job—an excellent job. He’s working hard, and I call on others to support him, too. Katsina is working again.

OurNigeria: What would you say is the most significant achievement so far?

Mallam Bature: Accountability. The kind of structure Radda has put in place reminds me of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua’s era. Every kobo spent is accounted for—from salaries to contracts. You can’t just jump into a new project until you close the accounts on the last one. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is active, and everything is done through due process. That’s how governance should be.

OurNigeria: Is the cost of living in Katsina relatively stable compared to other states?

Mallam Bature: Absolutely. Katsina is an agricultural state. Our people are farmers. So even when the economy is struggling nationally, harvest seasons help bring food prices down. Also, our border with Niger gives us access to certain goods that are still affordable.

In addition to this, the is the Rumbu Sobe initiative. This is one of the best things he has done. That programme is stabilising the market. Rice that costs ₦2,000 in the open market, you get it for ₦700 at these subsidised shops. Spaghetti for ₦300 instead of ₦1,000. Every local government has these shops. It’s like a flea market, but better and consistent. This helps many families, especially now that the economy is tough nationwide.

OurNigeria: And how about education?

Mallam Bature: This administration takes education seriously. They have sent more than 500 students abroad, to places like Egypt, Jordan, and China. But here’s the beauty of it: it’s strictly based on merit. If you don’t pass the exams, you don’t go, even if you’re a big man’s son. That’s how it should be. They go into the communities, even to local Islamic schools, and pick the best. Not even the governor’s child will get picked if he didn’t pass the selection examination or meet all the criteria.

OurNigeria: That’s encouraging. What area do you think needs more attention moving forward?

Mallam Bature: Security has improved compared to before, but it’s not yet where we want it to be. The government has tried—recruiting 2,000 personnel and training them—but we need more collaboration with federal security agencies. If there’s no security, there’s no development. And people need to understand that security isn’t just the government’s job. It’s everyone’s business.

OurNigeria: What about grassroots governance? Are local governments functioning?

Mallam Bature: Local government is active again. I was at the last local government election, and it was a success. The moment local governments work, education grows, and the economy improves. Radda understands this because he was once a local government chairman and ALGON president. He knows how important it is for the local government system to work because it is the closest to the people. My Governor is one of those who welcomed local government autonomy wholeheartedly because he knows this will engender development at the grassroots.

OurNigeria: Do you think the governor has the people’s trust?

Mallam Bature: Yes, though trust is always something you work on. But based on what people see, like the government not hoarding money but spending it on real development, has built their confidence in him and his administration. When money goes into infrastructure and welfare, people notice. The administration might not be perfect, but it’s responsive. And that counts for a lot.

OurNigeria: How would you compare this administration to past ones in Katsina?

Mallam Bature: Governor Dikko Umar Radda is carrying the legacy of Yar’adua in terms of discipline and grassroots understanding. He listens. He checks prices himself; he makes sure contractors don’t inflate costs. He makes sure contractors and other government employees are paid as at when due. That is the type of leadership we need. Leadership that acts, not just talks.

OurNigeria: Finally, if you could change one thing today in the state, what would it be?

Mallam Bature: I will say security. He has done well, but we need to go further. Strengthen local vigilantes, improve intelligence sharing, and invest more in rural protection. It will help farmers, traders, and the general population to feel safer, and the local economy to boom.

OurNigeria: What will be your message to the good people of Katsina State?

Mallam Bature: I call on Katsina citizens to continue to support the governor, and, when the time comes, to vote him for a second tenure in office, so that the government can continue on this path of development. As for me, my family, and anyone within my sphere of influence, Governor Dikko Umar Radda has our votes. Together, we can make Katsina greater.

“Gov. Umar Radda is Performing Magic in Katsina” – Alhaji Babangida Bature Funtua