Born: 10 September 1969 Nationality: Nigerian Profession: Economist, Politician
Early Life and Education
Dikko Umar Radda was born on 10 September 1969 in Hayin Gada Town, Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area, Katsina State, Nigeria. He is of Fulani descent.
He attended Radda Primary School (1974–1980), then proceeded to Zaria Teachers College (1980–1985). In 1986, he enrolled at the Kafanchan College of Education and earned a Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) in 1990. He holds a B.Tech in Agricultural Economics and Extension from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi (1996), and a Master of Science in Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Political Career
Between 2013 and 2015, Radda played a key role in the formation and growth of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He served as APC National Welfare Secretary from 2014 to 2015, helping shape the party’s welfare strategy.
After the APC's 2015 electoral victory, he was appointed Chief of Staff to Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari. In this role, Radda contributed to administrative coordination and the implementation of state policies aimed at improving governance.
He later served as Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), where he advanced economic development initiatives.
In 2023, he was elected Governor of Katsina State.
Philanthropy
In 2016, Radda established the Gwagware Foundation to support underserved rural communities with essential services. The foundation's activities include:
- Distributing food and medical aid
- Improving access to clean water
- Creating employment opportunities
- Conducting skills training (e.g., training 500 Katsina youths in ICT and tailoring in 2022)
- Donating educational materials, including 5,000 books to schools in Batagarawa LGA
Awards and Recognition
- Governor of the Year (2023) – Recognized at the Leadership Conference and Awards for contributions to security, infrastructure, and development in Katsina State.
- Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) – National honor awarded by the President of Nigeria.
- Distinguished Leadership Award (2019) – Nigeria Civil Service Union, for leadership at SMEDAN.
- Public Sector Excellence Award (2022) – Revenue Magazine, recognizing his commitment to economic growth and public service.
See Also
- Katsina State
- SMEDAN
- All Progressives Congress (APC)
References
To be added upon request.