KATSINA — Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has secured the approval of the State Executive Council for ₦500 million counterpart funding for the procurement of nutrition commodities to tackle acute malnutrition among children across the state.
The approval was one of the major decisions reached at the 15th Regular Meeting of the Katsina State Executive Council, chaired by Governor Radda on Wednesday at the General Muhammadu Buhari House, Katsina.
Commissioner for Health, Hon. Musa Adamu, said the funding would sustain the supply of essential nutrition commodities for children suffering from acute malnutrition and strengthen the state’s response to the condition.
Hon. Musa Adamu Funtua
The council also approved the procurement of 95,000 bags of assorted grains for distribution to less privileged and vulnerable residents as part of measures to cushion the effects of economic hardship.
Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr Salisu Bala Zango, said the intervention would provide direct support to households in need.
He added that the council approved the procurement and distribution of non-food items and cash support to vulnerable residents, particularly orphans, widows, persons with special needs and other disadvantaged members of society.
The council approved the modernisation of selected markets across the three senatorial zones, including markets in Daura, Dandume, Mashi and Jibia.
Special Adviser on Market Development, Mustapha Bala Batsari, said the projects were part of the administration’s efforts to improve commercial infrastructure and strengthen economic activities and the wellbeing of residents.
The council also approved the rehabilitation of 81 Jumu’at mosques across the 34 local government areas of the state.
Zango said the intervention was aimed at improving religious infrastructure, promoting Islamic values and strengthening community cohesion.
In another development, the council approved the establishment of the Katsina State Model United Nations Organisation (MUNDO), a government-led initiative to be supported by development partners.
The Executive Secretary of the Katsina Development Management Board, Mustapha Shehu, said the initiative would expose talented young people to leadership, diplomacy and public service while preparing them to contribute to the state’s future development.
Shehu also disclosed that the council approved a central coordination and evidence-clearing mechanism for HOPE-GOV, HOPE-PHC and HOPE-EDU.
He said the mechanism would review programme requirements, align sectoral technical teams and strengthen coordination towards achieving and verifying applicable Disbursement Linked Indicators under the World Bank-supported programmes.
According to him, the measure would improve implementation and maximise the benefits of the programmes, particularly HOPE-PHC and HOPE-EDU.
The council further approved a statewide compliance framework for the utilisation of performance-based financing and reward funds, aimed at strengthening accountability and coordination in development programmes.
Governor Radda, according to the statement, reiterated his administration’s commitment to interventions that directly address citizens’ needs, strengthen social protection and healthcare, improve economic infrastructure and expand opportunities for young people across Katsina State.
