The Katsina State government has announced plans to provide seven hundred and twenty-two brand new motorcycles to newly trained extension workers in the state. The initiative aims to bolster agricultural extension services and enhance service delivery to farmers across the state.The state Governor, Malam Dikko Radda, confirmed the development during the official launch of a two-day capacity-building training programme for 722 co-opted local government staff into the state Agriculture Extension Service. The event took place at the Local Government Service Commission Auditorium. He emphasized that the training programme was designed to address the shortage of extension workers in the state. He pledged to sustain the training initiative until the workers are adequately equipped with the necessary knowledge, research, and innovations to support farmers effectively.The training programme covers various aspects of agricultural best practices, including the use of quality seeds, proper fertilizer application, and land management techniques to boost production. Governor Radda expressed concern over the limited number of extension workers upon assuming office, noting that most were nearing retirement age.To address this challenge, Governor Radda’s administration engaged specialists in agricultural extension services to organize the training programme, aiming to revitalize the agricultural sector in the state. He highlighted the government’s commitment to implementing innovative strategies to improve agricultural activities.Governor Radda urged participants to apply the skills and knowledge gained from the training to support farmers in their communities effectively. Earlier, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Professor Ahmed Mohammed Bakori, emphasized that the training programme would empower farmers with solutions to challenges such as poor seed selection, improper fertilizer application, soil fertility decline, pest and disease management, and marketing strategies.Speaking on behalf of the consultants, Agriculture Extension Specialist Professor Ali Abdullahi reaffirmed their dedication to exceeding expectations and pledged to maintain close collaboration with extension workers for professional development and optimal service delivery.Meanwhile, Governor Radda has sworn in Abdullahi Sani as Acting Chairman Safana Local Government in a solemn ceremony held at the Government House chambers, Katsina State, the Governor officially inaugurated Alhaji Abdullahi Sani Safana, the Vice Chairman of Safana Local Government, to act as the Chairman of the local government. This appointment follows the untimely demise of Alhaji Kabir Umar, the former Chairman, who passed away last week after battling an illness.The inauguration ceremony was attended by families, well-wishers, and chairmen from various local government councils in the state. Governor Radda delivered an address during the event, urging the newly appointed chairman to foster unity and inclusivity among the people of Safana.He emphasized the importance of carrying along all residents of the area and ensuring unity for the overall development of Safana Local Government. He called upon stakeholders and other council chairmen in the state to extend their full cooperation to the acting chairman to facilitate progress and prosperity in the area.
