Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda PhD CON, has been honored with an Honorary Fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to urban planning and development. The prestigious award was presented during a ceremony held in Enugu, where the NITP praised the governor for appointing four professional town planners to key positions in the state’s Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Governor Radda’s strategic appointments include the Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the General Manager of the Urban and Regional Planning Board, and the Director General of the Katsina State Geographic Information Service (KATGIS). These appointments reflect his commitment to ensuring that urban planning remains a priority in the state’s development agenda.
Speaking at the event, NITP National President, Tpl. Nathaniel Atebije, FNITP, lauded the governor’s urban renewal efforts, highlighting the ₦774.5 billion investment in the Katsina Urban Renewal Project. He also commended Governor Radda for creating institutions dedicated to urban planning and employing 35 urban planning graduates to bolster the state’s planning framework.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Radda expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Urban planning is not just about beautifying spaces; it is a critical tool for national development. This award will further motivate us to continue our efforts to transform Katsina’s urban landscape.”
Accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdullahi Jabiru Tsauri, and Principal Private Secretary, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, the governor has also been widely praised for his proactive approach to flood control and his unwavering support for the Northern Urban Planners Forum. Alongside other notable figures like General T. Y. Danjuma and Barr. Festus Adebayo, Governor Radda was conferred with the prestigious award for his contributions to urban development.
SOURCE: Progressivenews.ng