Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State has promised to play a key role in eliminating malnutrition in Northern Nigeria.
Radda emphasised his dedication to the welfare of Katsina State’s people while speaking at a high-level debate on malnutrition hosted by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health at the Lagos-Osun Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
Radda voiced profound worry about the disturbing figure of nearly ten million children suffering from acute malnutrition in Northern Nigeria.
He emphasised the need of tackling this problem, particularly in Katsina State, and urged rapid action to resolve the situation.
The governor’s resolve to combat malnutrition demonstrated his commitment to promoting the health and well-being of the region’s children and emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts to address this vital issue. He stated,
“The gravity of this problem requires our immediate and sustained attention. In Katsina, we see directly the catastrophic effects of malnutrition on our children and families. It is our job to respond quickly and aggressively.”
The event was attended by key stakeholders such as Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Minister of Health Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and Director of Nutrition Mrs Sughra Mahmood, who represented the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.
The governor also advocated for a shift in federal resources to the Northwest and North Central regions, which are now experiencing rising instability and malnutrition. He promised to pay the state’s counterpart money as needed and underlined Katsina’s willingness to engage and collaborate to address these concerns.
What they’re saying
According to him:
“We in Katsina State are ready to lead by example, we are prepared to allocate resources, implement policies, and work hand-in-hand with development partners to tackle this crisis head-on.
“Let this be the start of a coordinated effort to address starvation in our region. Katsina State is prepared to collaborate, innovate, and lead in this critical fight for our children’s future.”
Bottom Line
The governor’s recognition of the need for immediate and sustained attention to malnutrition is crucial. Long-term commitment and continuous efforts are necessary to achieve lasting improvements in nutrition and public health outcomes.
