From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Government has allocated N200 million to support a nutrition programme aimed at addressing malnutrition among children across the state.
Governor Umar Dikko Radda disclosed this on Tuesday during the 2024 National Children’s Day celebration held at Karakanda Stadium, Katsina.
According to him, the funds represent counterpart funding for a nutrition initiative supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Governor Radda reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritizing child welfare and pledged continued collaboration with development partners to tackle malnutrition and other challenges affecting children.
As part of efforts to enhance education and reduce school dropout rates, the Governor revealed that the government had provided conditional cash transfers to 1,400 girls to encourage school enrollment.
“We have trained over 2,000 girls in various vocational skills and immunized 2.2 million children against measles,” he added.
Governor Radda also announced that his administration had fully settled the examination fees for students writing the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO), and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) exams.
Describing children as the future of the nation, Radda assured that his administration would ensure every child has access to quality education.
“No child will be denied access to education regardless of their ethnic or religious background,” he emphasized.
He commended stakeholders, community leaders, and development partners for their continued support in promoting the welfare of children in the state.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Ummulkhair Ahmad Bawa, applauded the state government for implementing several initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of children.
Mrs. Bawa also reminded parents of their responsibility to provide the necessary care and guidance to their children to secure a brighter future for them.
Highlights of the celebration included the presentation of trophies and prizes to primary and secondary schools that won the march-past competition.