From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
Thousands of vulnerable households across Katsina State are set to receive food support as Governor Dikko Umaru Radda on Monday flagged off the distribution of 90,000 bags of grains, describing the intervention as a lifeline for families battling hunger and rising malnutrition.
The development was contained in a statement issued and signed on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Mohammed Kaula, who said the programme is part of the administration’s broader effort to cushion the impact of economic hardship and protect children from worsening nutrition indicators.
Speaking at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Governor Radda said the initiative followed the findings of a high-powered committee he set up earlier this year to assess Katsina’s malnutrition crisis. He said the committee’s report revealed “alarming trends” that required swift and targeted action.
“This event is not just about food. It is about compassion, duty, and responsibility,” the governor said, adding that the beneficiaries were selected using verified data from local committees and health agencies to ensure the items reach those who need them most.
The governor also announced several ongoing measures to tackle malnutrition, including the establishment of 60 new Outpatient Therapeutic Programme (OTP) centres and the upgrade of nine existing malnutrition treatment facilities in highly affected areas.
He further disclosed plans to set up a Tom Brown and RUTF factory in the state to produce nutritional supplements locally.
“These interventions have already helped reduce our malnutrition rate to between 8 and 10 percent,” he said.
Dr. Ahmad Musa Abdullahi, Chairman of the Committee on Malnutrition, said the exercise reflected Governor Radda’s compassion and responsiveness, noting that the committee’s recommendations received immediate approval after submission in September.
“This effort is not just social welfare; it is an act of faith, compassion, and duty before Allah,” Dr. Ahmad said, assuring that the distribution would be monitored by teams from government agencies, traditional institutions, ALGON and Zakkat committees.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Community Development Programme (CDP), Dr. Kamal, said the event coincided with the CDP’s one-year anniversary, during which it implemented interventions targeting food security and poverty reduction in rural communities.
The Executive Secretary of the Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Shamsuddeen Yahaya, said the grains would support treatment efforts at Stabilization and OTP centres across the state as the government continues strengthening nutrition systems with donor partners.
Representing all 34 local government chairmen, ALGON Chairman Hon. Rabo Tambaya praised the governor for what he described as a “people-centred leadership approach,” noting that the grains distribution marked the third phase of such humanitarian support under the current administration.
“We remain committed to ensuring that this effort reaches every deserving household,” he said.
