Tinubu okays establishment of federal varsity in Southern Kaduna 

Radda hails President for appointing Ahmed, Dutsin-ma to SRRBDA board
President Bola Tinubu has consented to a proposal to establish a federal university in Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who revealed this, at the weekend, also disclosed that discussions were ongoing to establish a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Kafanchan, Kaduna State.

This is, as he was hailed by Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, for appointing two distinguished Katsina indigenes to key positions at the Sokoto-Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA) board.

Shettima gave the hint during a condolence visit to the Kukah family on the death of His Highness, Yohanna Kukah, the Agwom Akulu of Ikulu Chiefdom and relative of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto.

“With Senator Katung and the member of the House of Representatives, we have reached out to President Tinubu, and he has consented to the establishment of a federal university in Southern Kaduna,” Shettima said during his visit to Ikulu Kingdom, Kamuru, in Zangon Kataf Local Council, Kaduna State.

Speaking at the residence of the late monarch, the Vice President emphasised the Tinubu administration’s commitment to the development of Southern Kaduna, citing the appointment of General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) as evidence of the President’s attention to the region’s security needs.

“Be assured that President Tinubu has the people of Kaduna and the people of Southern Kaduna at heart.” he stated.

Shettima also commended Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna for his inclusive governance approach, stating that “government is about linking all parts to have a sense of belonging.”

Earlier, Bishop Kukah had expressed gratitude to the Vice President on behalf of the family over the visit, saying, “I want to thank you on behalf of this family for being with us. You can see the nature of the place in which we live. It took you around three and a half hours to get here. The road is largely broken. I know you will remain a friend of this Ikulu nation and a friend of this community. We are honoured to have you.”

GOVERNOR Radda commended the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer of Hillside Royal Suites, Badru Ahmed, as the Executive Director of Agricultural Services and Abubakar Dutsin-ma as Executive Director of Finance at SRRBDA.

Ahmed is a seasoned banking executive with two decades of experience in agricultural financing and regional development.

The Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) graduate of Agriculture Education brings valuable expertise from his extensive career, including his recent role as Group Head, North III, where he successfully managed operations across seven Northern states.

Radda noted that Ahmed’s appointment was particularly fitting, given his unique blend of agriculture education and extensive banking experience in northern Nigeria.

“His proven track record in managing complex regional operations and agricultural financing will be invaluable to the Authority’s mission,” the Governor noted.

Dutsin-ma brings valuable public sector expertise to the authority, drawing from his distinguished service as Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development.

His experience as chairman of various ministerial committees, including the Committee on Sales of Fertiliser, Pesticides and Agrochemicals, coupled with his ongoing MBA in Agribusiness Management from Rome Business School, positions him uniquely for this role.

“These appointments demonstrate President Tinubu’s careful consideration in selecting individuals, who possess the technical expertise and regional understanding necessary for these crucial positions. The President’s choice of these accomplished Katsina indigenes shows his dedication to merit-based leadership selection,” Radda stated.