Leadership: Tinubu urges governors to focus on good governance, ignore ‘armchair critics’

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasises the accurate measure of leadership is a positive, visible impact on the populace, urging State Governors across Nigeria to remain focused on delivering tangible results that improve the lives of their people

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the accurate measure of leadership is a positive, visible impact on the people.

Tinubu, who stated this Friday, May 2, 2025, during his two-day visit to Katsina State, North-West Nigeria, urged State Governors across the country to remain focused on delivering tangible results that improve the lives of their people.

The Nigerian leader also admonished them to disregard “armchair critics”, who merely seek to distract from the work at hand.

The President said: “Let the people be at the heart of your programmes.

“Your hard work and concrete achievements will answer any criticism. Ignore distractions—your results will speak for you.”

During his visit, President Tinubu commissioned a 24 km road, which Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State had completed within 18 months.

The road he commissioned was the Eastern Bypass, which stretched from Dutsin-ma Road through Kano and Daura Roads and terminated at Yandaki in the Kaita Local Government Area.

The President equally inaugurated the Katsina Agricultural Mechanised Centre.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Friday stated President Tinubu said: “We have decided for peace and stability. I know you face terrorism and banditry attacks in the state, but you have shown determination and courage to move Katsina State forward.

“You will not walk alone. The Federal Government will be with you.”

According to the President, hunger and poverty remain the biggest threats to peace in the West African country.

He also stated: “The economy is sailing in the right trajectory.

“Today, we are seeing an effort to banish hunger and a commitment to food security and the empowerment of our people.

“Small and large-scale farming will be encouraged. Once we liberate ourselves from hunger, we will appreciate peace and harmony.”

The Nigerian leader said: “The remarkable progress in the state will continue to be rewarded.

“I want to assure the Nigerian public that agriculture is the heart of our progress and must be for all. We have dedicated ourselves to food security.”

He further noted: “We must invest in mechanisation and water management. The old style of agriculture is gone.”

In terms of support for Nigerian farmers, the President said the Bank of Agriculture would be resuscitated and properly repositioned to meet their’ needs and improve farming and agricultural production in the country.

He disclosed “the Bank of Agriculture is being revitalised. When resuscitated, the bank will make funds available for large, medium and small-scale farming.”

On Kaduna Governor’s strides in Agriculture, education, and other sectors of the state economy, President Tinubu commended Governor Radda for significantly impacting agriculture, healthcare, education, and infrastructure in less than two years.

He stated: “I listened to your report card. It is a big task. In just half of your tenure, you have made remarkable progress.

“The commitment you have shown and the efforts you have put into government are highly commendable.

“You are a patriot, son, and progressive mind with honesty.”

Appreciating the Katsina people for their choice of leadership, Tinubu explained: “It was difficult during the election when you started, thanks to former Governors like Ibrahim Shema, the bridge builder Aminu Bello Masari and Waziri of the universe, Ibrahim Masari.

“I want to congratulate the great people of Katsina on making the right choice by electing Radda.

“We have been collaborating with him for the good of the state and the country.”

Tinubu: Farming remains Nigeria’s source of growth and  prosperity

President Tinubu, in his address during the visit, also challenged the State Governors to pay more attention to agriculture.

He noted: “You have introduced a great, progressive movement in Katsina State by just tilling the land and putting the land to use.

“Farming will be our source of prosperity and growth.

“We should remove ourselves from reliance on oil and commit to agriculture. It will bring prosperity.”

The President said: “I commend you for the mechanisation programme. It is a great investment, and I hope others can learn from it. “The construction of the 24-km road speaks volumes about the effectiveness of the government. I say thank you.”

The Nigerian President thanked the past governors of Katsina State for purposeful leadership, and appreciated the traditional council, Katsina, and Daura Emirates for supporting the country’s unity, peace, and progress.

“Thank you for the great honour that you have given me. Your coming to the airport to receive me made me feel so welcome.

“I am your son, and I am one of you. You’ve demonstrated commitment and sincerity to the unity and peace of our country,” stated President Tinubu.

He averred: “God will continue honouring and raising you in grace for our country.

“For me, this is homecoming, and Katsina is home. Home to progress, development and freedom for good.”

Governor highlights role of Agricultural Mechanised Centre

Speaking during the project commissioning, Governor Radda said the Katsina Agricultural Mechanised Centre would serve the 34 Local Councils in the state.

Radda disclosed the Katsina State Government has purchased 400 tractors with the Federal Government’s N25 billion intervention.

The governor explained that 160km of roads had been constructed, and some rehabilitated within the state over the period.

The government also constructed power, water supply, and healthcare facilities that have improved the life of the people in the state.

Radda further disclosed the Ministry of Agriculture had supplied the state with 4,000 pumping machines to enhance irrigation farming.

The Governor added that 448,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser were distributed to farmers last year, and this year, they will receive 400,000 metric tonnes.

The statement noted the Governors of Borno, Benue, Kaduna, Kwara, and Jigawa states attended the project commissioning during Tinubu’s visit.

Former Governors Aminu Masari and Ibrahim Shema, as well as Ministers for Culture, Solid Minerals, and Agriculture, were also present, stated Onanuga.

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