Radda bags BusinessDay award for agricultural transformation, security improvement

Dikko Umaru Radda, Governor of Katsina State on Thursday received the Agricultural Transformation and Security Improvement Award at the 2026 BusinessDay States Competitiveness and Investment Readiness Awards (SCIRA), in recognition of his administration’s efforts in agriculture and security.

The award was presented at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja during the annual event organised by BusinessDay Media Limited to honour states demonstrating excellence in governance, economic reforms, infrastructure, investment promotion and service delivery.

Governor Radda was recognised for his administration’s interventions in agriculture, farmer empowerment, food security and community-based security initiatives, as well as efforts to align economic reforms with security strategies to create a stable environment for growth and investment.

Represented by Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, his Deputy, the governor expressed appreciation to BusinessDay Media Limited, describing the award as a reflection of the collective efforts of the government and people of Katsina State.

“This recognition affirms our commitment to building a secure, prosperous and economically vibrant Katsina State. It reflects the progress we are making in transforming agriculture, strengthening security and expanding opportunities for our people,” he said.

Jobe said the administration would continue to implement policies and programmes aimed at accelerating economic growth, enhancing food security, attracting investment and improving the living standards of residents across the state.

“I dedicate this award to the resilient people of Katsina State, whose support continues to inspire our drive for inclusive development. It strengthens our resolve,” Governor Radda stated.

Speaking earlier, Mr. Frank Aigbogun, the Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of BusinessDay Media Limited, said the awards were designed to celebrate governors driving economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, improved security and investment readiness across the country.

According to him, the initiative promotes healthy competition among states while encouraging transparency, accountability and measurable development outcomes.
According to him, “the awards celebrate governors who are making significant contributions to economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, improved security and investment readiness across Nigeria”.

He added that the platform encourages states to pursue sustainable development and strengthen their competitiveness in attracting investments.

Other governors honoured at the ceremony included Umar Namadi, Jigawa State Governor for Agricultural Transformation and Rural Development, Hyacinth Alia, Governor of Benue State, who received the Infrastructure Development and Urban Renewal Award, and Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State for Governance, Economic Reforms and Human Capital Development.

Also recognised were Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, Babagana Umara Zulum, Borno State Governor and Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State for their contributions to governance, development and economic growth in their respective states.

The BusinessDay SCIRA is regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for recognising excellence in governance and sustainable economic competitiveness.