Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has congratulated Ibrahim Nuhu Kankia, Chief Executive Officer of Kosai Republic, for clinching the ₦7.5 million grand prize at the 8th National MSMEs Clinic 2026 Awards, sponsored by the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM).
The governor, represented by Hajia Aisha Aminu Malumfashi—Commissioner for Women Affairs and pioneer Director General of the Katsina Enterprises Development Agency (KASEDA)—described the achievement as a proud milestone for the state.
“This success demonstrates that with hard work, innovation and the right backing, our youths can compete and excel at the national level,” Governor Radda said. “Kankia’s accomplishment is a source of pride and an encouragement to aspiring entrepreneurs across Katsina.”
The 25-year-old entrepreneur, a final-year Pharmacy student at Ahmadu Barau University, Zaria, and native of Kankia Local Government Area, exemplifies the resilient and creative talent the state is committed to nurturing.
Governor Radda noted that Kosai Republic emerged from the KASEDA Mentorship Programme, crediting the agency’s Director General, Dr. Babangida Kabir Ruma, for his instrumental role in developing the business into a nationally recognised enterprise. The venture also benefited from the KASEDA Interest-Free MSMEs Loan Scheme, designed to provide sustainable financial support to entrepreneurs.
“This award validates our investment in entrepreneurship and youth empowerment through KASEDA,” the governor added. “We will continue creating opportunities for small businesses to thrive.”
The event also featured the launch of a compendium titled “Building Nigeria, Empowering MSMEs: A Compendium of the Federal Government’s Initiatives and Interventions for Nigerian MSME Growth.”
Governor Radda encouraged young entrepreneurs statewide to leverage KASEDA’s mentorship programmes, business development services and financing schemes, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to fostering an innovation-driven economy and job creation.
He wished Kankia continued success, expressing confidence that his triumph would inspire more young people in Katsina to pursue their business ambitions with determination and excellence.