Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has paid an official visit to the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa.
He announced investments in cultural heritage preservation and expressed strong support for Nigeria’s tourism potential.
During the visit, Governor Radda revealed that his administration has already injected over ₦100m to begin restoration of deteriorating monuments in Katsina State that fall under federal custodianship.
The governor added that the state government has approved ₦246 million to restore and protect the museum which was damaged during the recent rainy season.
Governor Radda emphasized the immense potential of tourism as a revenue generator, citing examples of successful international tourist attractions.
“Tourism, as you know, is a major source of revenue for many countries. And I believe, without any doubt, that Nigeria can tap into this potential,” he said.
“During a visit to the Emir’s palace, I was shown a room that’s over 3,000 years old. That’s a kind of history you won’t even find in many developed countries—but we have it here. Sadly, we lack the capacity and will to showcase it,” the Governor shared his experience.
Governor Radda equally compared Nigeria’s underutilized historical assets, “Take the Eiffel Tower, for example—less than 300 years old, yet millions of people travel to France just to see it. Or consider China’s Great Wall and the massive effort they’ve made to restore and preserve it. We have assets that are equally significant, if not more so.”
Governor Radda also mentioned the successful hosting of 10 European ambassadors during the Durbar celebrations in Katsina, an event that enhanced Nigeria’s international image and was widely reported in diplomatic circles.
The governor pledged his administration’s support to the Minister’s initiatives: “We are here today not just to show solidarity, but also to pray for your success—for your personal fulfillment and for the benefit of our nation.”
“To the staff of your ministry—I urge you to give her all the necessary support. She cannot succeed without your cooperation. Our time in office is limited—four years, maybe eight at most. But within that short period, we must do all we can,” the Governor urged.
Earlier, in her opening remarks, Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa expressed deep appreciation for the Governor’s visit and vision. The Minister revealed that Governor Radda’s political journey had personally inspired her renewed commitment to public service.
Minister Musawa disclosed, “We are working toward economic growth through tourism, a sector with massive potential that has remained largely untapped.”
The Minister outlined her vision for celebrating Nigeria’s heritage and traditions, with the ultimate goal of positioning Nigeria as a global tourism destination. She also highlighted the importance of empowering young Nigerians through the creative industry.
Expressing admiration for Governor Radda’s development blueprint for Katsina State, Minister Musawa stated, “If Allah spares your life and allows you to complete your term, and if someone with your kind of vision succeeds you, Katsina will become a shining example for the rest of Nigeria.”
The Minister concluded by expressing her desire to help make the Durbar celebration a national cultural landmark—”something that, when people think of Nigeria, they think of the rich heritage of Katsina.”
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
22nd April, 2025
