Katsina’s Radda takes EU envoys to 2,005-year-old Kusugu well

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Katsina

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has led 17 European Union (EU) envoys on a visit to the ancient Kusugu Well in Daura as part of activities marking the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr celebration in the state.

The historic well, which dates back approximately 2,005 years, offered the diplomats a rare glimpse into Katsina’s deep-rooted history and cultural heritage.

The diplomats also witnessed the spectacular Hawan Magajiya celebration in Daura as part of this year’s Eid-el-Fitr festivities.

Royal horsemen rode in grand procession, paying traditional homage to the Emir of Daura, while traditional title holders, district heads, and palace guards dressed in full regalia brought the rich cultural heritage of the Daura Emirate to life before the visiting diplomats.

Governor Radda commended the Daura Emirate for sustaining its cultural identity, expressing confidence that the tradition would endure for generations to come.

Among those present were the Deputy Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal; the Speaker, Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Garba Faskari; members of the State Executive Council; and local government chairmen.

During the visit of the diplomats, Governor Radda declared that his administration is fully committed to building an all-inclusive government and providing an enabling environment for sustainable development and economic growth.

The Governor assured international partners that Katsina State remains one of the most business-friendly states in Nigeria.

“Our administration is inclusive and committed to providing an enabling environment for sustainable development and economic growth. Katsina State offers one of the most conducive environments for doing business in Nigeria, particularly in investment, partnerships, and technical collaboration,” Governor Radda stated.

He added that through a gradual, community-driven approach, his government is fulfilling its promises while promoting ownership and long-term sustainability of its initiatives. He also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening global partnerships to ensure the state benefits from community-led initiatives and broader development opportunities.

The Governor made these remarks during a high-level engagement with European Union ambassadors and diplomatic representatives, held as part of activities marking the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr Durbar Festival, where Katsina State secured strategic partnerships covering education, agriculture, food security, women empowerment, and technology.

The Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Development Management Board, Mallam Mustapha Shehu, who coordinated the session, described the meeting as a turning point in the state’s drive to attract international collaboration and investment.

“Katsina State is ready to work closely with its international partners to translate these commitments into actionable programmes that will drive inclusive growth and long-term prosperity,” Shehu said.

The engagement opened with a documentary presentation showcasing the state’s achievements across education, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development, followed by a technical session that identified development gaps and opportunities for collaboration.

In their remarks, the ambassadors pledged support across bilateral education initiatives, agricultural transformation, small and medium enterprise development, and technology and innovation, commending the state government’s proactive approach to development planning and its openness to international collaboration.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed Malick Fall, was also present at the engagement.

The session was coordinated by the Katsina State Development Management Board in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the Directorate of Protocol, and the Directorate of History and Culture Bureau.