Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, has described the State as the emerging technology capital of Northern Nigeria.
The Governor, represented by the Secretary to State Government, Hon. Abdullahi Faskari, made this known while delivering opening address at the Arewa Tech Fest 2.0 at Continental Event Center.
“The future is not something we wait for, it is something we must build. And in Katsina State, we are not waiting,” Governor Radda declared, outlining concrete steps his administration has taken to attract technology investments and empower youth.
The Governor announced the complete removal of Right of Way charges across the state, sending a powerful signal to investors and tech infrastructure providers that “Katsina is open for digital business.”
This bold policy decision complements massive investments in fiber optics, towers, and smart infrastructure connecting cities, towns, and rural communities throughout the state.
Governor Radda revealed the establishment of the Katsina State Directorate of ICT (KATDICT), describing it not as “a bureaucracy but a launchpad” designed to drive digital transformation and support innovation ecosystems. The agency spearheads initiatives that make technology a practical tool for solving poverty, unemployment, and access challenges in healthcare, education, and governance.
The Governor said “Beyond infrastructure, the administration invests heavily in human capital development, training civil servants in digital tools while supporting brilliant young minds with scholarships to study Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Biotechnology in world-class universities.”
“We don’t just want to be consumers of innovation—we want to be creators of it,” the Governor emphasized, challenging the traditional development model.
Governor Radda furthered that his administration prioritizes digital literacy from early childhood, ensuring children learn not just to use technology but to create it. This comprehensive approach aims to build an economy beyond agriculture, create technical skills at scale, attract new investments, and give young people genuine opportunities for prosperity.
Addressing tech enthusiasts and industry leaders, Governor Radda issued a rallying call, “You are not the leaders of tomorrow, you are the innovators of today. The future is already here, and it has your name on it.
He invited partners, investors, and ecosystem builders to collaborate with Katsina State, emphasizing that doors remain wide open for innovation, investment, and impact.
“Power belongs not to those who control land, but to those who can command ideas. And in this North we call home, ideas are rising. Katsina is ready, the North is rising, the time is now,” Governor Radda concluded.
In his separate remarks, the festival’s convener, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, shared the inspiring story behind Arewa Tech Fest, acknowledging founder Salma Phillips and their collaborative vision that launched the inaugural edition in Kano.
El-Rufai expressed heartfelt gratitude to state governors, particularly Zamfara’s governor who will host the third edition, and the Federal Government for their unwavering support. “We are committed to using technology to boost economic growth and empower youth by blending the wisdom of elders with young innovators,” he declared.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, expressed strong belief in Northern Nigeria’s potential as a tech innovation powerhouse.
Drawing from his groundbreaking experience founding Nigeria’s first tech innovation hub (CcHub) and nurturing success stories like Andela, Flutterwave, and BudgIT, Dr. Tijani boldly proclaimed that world-class startups can emerge from anywhere, including Katsina.
Bosun highlighted the Federal Government’s ambitious efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including expanding digital infrastructure, training millions through the 3MTT program, and implementing cutting-edge AI, blockchain, and digital trade policies.
“The next African tech unicorn could rise from the North if you choose to begin now,” he challenged young innovators.
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State positioned the Arewa Tech Fest as a youth-driven movement propelling Northern Nigeria into the digital revolution spotlight.
Governor Lawal showcased Zamfara’s leadership in this transformation through robust ICT policies, massive infrastructure investments, and comprehensive digitalization of government services. The Governor emphasized his state’s commitment to digital literacy through strategic partnerships with Oracle, offering advanced tech training for youth.
Engineer Kabir Salihu, representing NITDA’s Director General, emphasized that technology holds the key to transforming Northern Nigeria and the entire nation.
He challenged participants to pursue purposeful innovation that addresses real problems, reduces inequality, and drives economic resilience.
“Let us innovate for impact and make technology the cornerstone of our economic rebirth, leaving no one behind,” he urged, calling for collective action to build an inclusive digital future that makes the festival a catalyst for lasting regional transformation.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Naufal Ahmed, Director General of KATDICT, took the audience through an AI Avatar, dramatically demonstrating Katsina State’s strategic and deliberate approach to digital transformation.
Naufal showcased remarkable achievements including 100% digital connectivity, comprehensive Digital Public Infrastructure development, and groundbreaking initiatives like the Startup Council, startup fund, Fab Lab, Hack Katsina, and the innovative Startup Bill.
Ahmed highlighted transformative partnerships including the Digital Bridge initiative connecting government and academia, and the ambitious Katsina Talent City project that identifies and connects local talent to global opportunities, perfectly aligning with Governor Radda’s vision for human capital development and tech-driven economic growth.
The Arewa Tech Fest 2.0 is a pointer to Katsina State’s emergence as a serious player in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
22nd May, 2025
