Profile of Katsina APC Governorship Candidate, Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda
HOTPEN – Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda is the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). Dr Radda, an astute politician, entrepreneur, teacher and Banker with wide administrative experience was born on 10th September 1969 in Hayingada-Dutsinma Local Government, Katsina State North-West Nigeria.
He started his early educational pursuit at Radda Primary School from 1974-1980. He proceeded to Zaria Teachers College between 1980-1985 for his Grade Two Certificate. Dr Radda later gained admission into the College of Education, Kafanchan in 1986 and obtained the National Certificate of Education (NCE) in 1989. He enrolled into Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi in 1992 and graduated with a B-Tech.Agric Economic and Extension (Hons) in 1996.
Thereafter he gained admission into Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria In 1998 and obtained MSC Agric Extension and Rural Sociology in 2004. Dr Radda’s insatiable desire to broaden his horizon motivated him to return to ABU Zaria in 2005 for a Masters in International Affairs and Diplomacy and later capped it with a Ph.D in Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology from the same University in 2015.
The Director General/Chief Executive Officer possesses extensive working experience. He was a class room teacher between 1989-1999. He worked as a Banker with the defunct FSB International Bank between 1999-2003. He was Executive Chairman Charanchi Local Government Area of Katsina state between Jan 2005 and April 2007.
He was reappointed Caretaker Committee Chairman, Charanchi LGA, Katsina State in May 2007. Other appointments he has held are; Senior Legislative Aide, NASS, Abuja, 2012-2014, National Welfare Secretary (APC), June 2014- July 2015.
He holds the traditional title of Gwagwaren Katsina in the historic Katsina Emirate Council. Dr Radda has presented several academic papers in both local and international conferences and workshops.
Dr Radda, was until his present appointment the Chief of Staff to the Katsina State Governor. He is a recipient of several awards and certificates from both local and international organizations. A widely traveled man and he is married with children.