I Want To See Next Dangotes Emerge From Katsina, Gov Radda Charges Fresh Agripreneurs

…Empowers 361 Graduates with N1m Business Start-up Grant

Boluwatife Kehinde-Idowu

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has challenged young agripreneurs in the state to turn their skills into businesses, saying he wants to see the next generation of Dangotes emerge from Katsina.

Radda spoke while celebrating the graduation of 361 young agripreneurs from the second batch of the Dikko Radda Agripreneurship Training and Empowerment Scheme-Songhai (DRATESS-Songhai).

“I want to see some of the next Dangotes emerge from Katsina. Do not frame your certificates and wait for government jobs. Convert your skills into enterprises, and your enterprises into opportunities for others,” the governor said.

TVC News Online reports that Aliko Dangote is the richest man in Africa, with his wealth estimated at over $50bn according to Forbes Africa.

To support the graduates in starting their businesses, Radda said he had approved a ₦1 million take-off package for each of them.

The governor, who announced the grant on his verified X handle on Thursday, indicated that the grant would support the graduates in establishing agribusinesses in their localities.

He said the scheme equipped the beneficiaries with practical skills in crop production, livestock, fisheries, agro-processing, renewable energy, waste recycling and agribusiness.

Radda said, “To support them as they begin their entrepreneurial journey, I have approved a ₦1 million take-off package for each graduate. The grant is meant to support them startup agribusinesses in their locality. This graduation is more than a certificate presentation. It represents the acquisition of practical skills, confidence and opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods.”

Highlighting the importance of agriculture, the governor said, “Agriculture is not just about food production; it is a business, a profession, an investment opportunity and a powerful instrument for economic transformation. Through DRATESS-Songhai, our young people are gaining practical skills in crop production, livestock, fisheries, agro-processing, renewable energy, waste recycling and agribusiness.”

The governor also disclosed plans to expand the Makera Songhai Comprehensive Agricultural Training Centre in Dutsinma to accommodate up to 1,000 trainees at a time.

“Our task is to transform our agricultural resources into sustainable economic opportunities. I therefore urge the graduates to transform farms into businesses, businesses into industries, and industries into opportunities for our people,” he concluded.