I would like to take inspiration from the insights of Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa. He once stated, 'Development...
I would like to take inspiration from the insights of Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa. He once stated, 'Development is not about what leaders say—it is about where they go, who they meet, and what they bring back home.' This perspective aligns closely with the recent official visit to the Republic of Belarus by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda. The journey, which took place from November 11th to 14th, 2025, is expected to be regarded as one of the most significant trips undertaken by a Nigerian governor in recent years.
Maybe you have heard from government-approved sources and various media channels, but as a government committed to informing and educating its people about the steps being taken to promote growth and advancement, here are ten key points from this historic visit that should inspire hope and excitement among all Katsinawa.
Security Priority: Preparation for the Katsina Community Watch Corps. For many years, our communities have been affected by banditry and instability. Governor Radda recognizes that true peace goes beyond positive intentions—it needs well-trained individuals with up-to-date equipment. At the Minsk Security Institute and the Centre for Border Security and Special Forces Training Facility, the governor arranged a high-level training program for the Katsina Community Watch Corps (KCWC). What does this mean? Our local security volunteers will now get advanced counter-insurgency and border protection training from one of the world's most prestigious security institutions. In short, when our C-WATCH members come back from Belarus, they will be more ready to safeguard our farms, schools, and villages.
Modern Arms and Security Gear for Governor Radda. Training alone is not enough without the proper equipment. At the State Authority for Military Industry (LEMT), which is Belarus' counterpart to Nigeria's Defence Industries Corporation (DICON), Governor Radda worked to upgrade the security kits and devices used by KCWC. Picture our C-WATCH staff equipped not with old tools, but with advanced surveillance systems, communication equipment, and protective gear that meet global standards. This clearly shows that Katsina will no longer tackle 21st-century security challenges with 20th-century technology.
iii. Scholarships in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Drone Technology. As the saying goes, "The future belongs to those who prepare for it today." At the Belarus Ministry of Education, Governor Radda arranged scholarship opportunities for youths from Katsina in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, agricultural engineering, and drone technology. These are the skills that will shape the industries of the next generation. Our young people will study in Belarus, gain expertise in these technologies, and then return to develop solutions for Katsina's specific challenges, as well as those facing Nigeria as a whole. When a youth from Katsina programs a drone to monitor farmlands or creates a robot to aid in healthcare, we will recall that it all began with Radda's visit to Minsk.
Training Facilitators: Enhancing Local Expertise. Governor Radda believes that lasting progress stems from developing local skills, rather than continuous reliance on outside specialists. Hence, he arranged for Training of Trainers initiatives for educators from the Katsina Youth Craft Village and other state organizations. These trainers will go to Minsk, gain knowledge from Belarus' top technical schools and innovation hubs, and then come back to educate thousands of young people in Katsina. This is the multiplier effect in practice—one trained instructor can generate hundreds of skilled graduates who will drive our growing industries for many years.
The Beltech Export Company Visit: A Lesson in Creating Billionaires. At Beltech Export Company, Eastern Europe's most renowned ICT hub, Governor Radda and his team were presented with something remarkable: a list of former trainees. The impressive aspect? Many of them have become dollar billionaires. This was not by chance—it stemmed from top-tier training in advanced computer technology. The governor swiftly arranged for Katsina youth to benefit from the same education. Picture our young people—currently facing unemployment—becoming tech entrepreneurs developing solutions that draw international investment. This is the future Governor Radda is shaping, one collaboration at a time.
Hi-Tech Park: A Blueprint for Katsina TechVille. Katsina TechVille is not just a vision—it's a developing initiative. However, Governor Radda recognizes that constructing a top-tier tech hub requires examining proven examples. During his visit to the Hi-Tech Park in Minsk, he studied one of Eastern Europe's most effective technology environments, recognized for its favorable legal framework, business-friendly regulations, and robust talent supply. These insights will directly shape the development of Katsina TechVille, ensuring it draws international tech firms and generates numerous well-paying jobs for our young people. In Katsina, we are not starting from scratch; we are learning from those who have already created successful models.
vii. Agricultural Advancement: Transitioning from Subsistence to Superior Performance. Katsina's economy is based on agriculture, yet our farmers frequently exert more effort than necessary with obsolete machinery. At the Belarus Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Governor Radda worked to upgrade our current agricultural equipment to meet global standards. More significantly, he obtained access to technology-based farming practices that will boost production, minimize losses, and enhance the profitability of farming. As our farmers start employing precision agriculture tools and climate-conscious methods acquired from Belarus, the changes will be evident in their crops and earnings.
viii. Advanced Cattle Breeds and Animal Husbandry Models. Livestock plays a vital role in Katsina's agricultural economy, but our animal husbandry methods still need improvement compared to international benchmarks. Governor Radda negotiated an agreement with Belarus to supply advanced cattle breeds and improved animal husbandry techniques. This initiative will lead to healthier animals, increased milk and meat output, and higher earnings for herders and farmers. When you observe more robust and productive livestock in Katsina in the years ahead, recall that this collaboration originated in Minsk.
Visa Opportunities for Katsina Students at the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The delegation led by Governor Radda met with H.E. Sergey Lukashevich, the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and achieved simplified visa access for Katsina students who wish to pursue studies in Belarus. This eliminates a significant obstacle that has previously prevented many gifted young individuals from obtaining quality international education. Now, the route is open: if you are a Katsinawa with aspirations and ability, Belarus is welcoming you.
A Governor Who Prays with His People Abroad on Friday. During his visit, Governor Radda participated in Jumu'ah prayers at the National Mosque in Minsk with Katsina natives residing there. This humble gesture conveys a great deal. Despite being thousands of miles away from home, the governor stayed connected to his religion and his community. It served as a reminder to those living overseas that they have not been overlooked, and it also reminded those back home that their leader carries our identity—our values, our faith, our spirit—wherever he travels. Governor Radda's trip to Belarus was not just a vacation. It was a well-organized effort to establish tangible partnerships that will alter the course of Katsina State. The delegation consisted of dedicated officials: the Principal Private Secretary, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua'zu; Executive Director of the Katsina State Development Management Board, Hon. Ruqayya Hamza Usman; Director-General of ICT, Naufal Ahmed; and Coordinator of the Agricultural Development Unit, Dr. Suleiman Umar.
These individuals were not merely travelers—they were experts assigned with the task of observing, acquiring knowledge, and applying what they learned. As the governor himself stated, these collaborations correspond to his administration's 'Building Your Future' initiative—generating employment, enhancing digital competencies, assisting young business owners, and establishing Katsina as one of Nigeria's most progressive states. Loyal Katsinawa, the seeds sown in Minsk will soon flourish on our land. Our duty now is to back these efforts and inspire our youth to seize these chances.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed serves as the Chief Press Secretary for the Governor of Katsina.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
