The Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has pledged his administration’s strong commitment to tackling malnutrition and improving public health across the state.
Governor Radda made this known while declaring open the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) Katsina Workshop, held at the Local Government Service Commission Hall. The workshop was themed: “Strengthening the Role of Nutritionists and Dieticians in the Katsina State Health System.”
The Governor emphasised that malnutrition remains one of the most pressing public health challenges, with far-reaching consequences on education, household income, workforce productivity, and overall economic development.
“Addressing malnutrition is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic investment in the future prosperity of our dear state,” he stated.
Governor Radda disclosed that his administration has upgraded and revitalised 268 Primary Health Centres across the state at a total cost of ₦26.7 billion.
“This intervention includes comprehensive renovation, provision of motorcycle ambulances, essential medical equipment, and improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene to strengthen healthcare delivery,” he said.
The Governor further revealed that the State Government has committed ₦1.7 billion to the State Nutrition Programme and the State Committee on Nutrition to ensure coordinated and sustainable interventions.
“We have also established additional Outpatient Therapeutic Programme (OTP) centres and nine stabilisation centres to support children suffering from severe acute malnutrition,” he added.
Governor Radda also disclosed that ₦700 million was released as counterpart funding under the ARIN Project 2.0, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to reducing malnutrition and improving child survival rates.
On food security, the Governor noted that over 90,000 bags of food commodities have been distributed to vulnerable households across the state.
“As part of our agricultural support, we have also distributed improved seedlings and fertilisers over the past three years, and procured over 400 tractors to enhance farm productivity,” he said.
Governor highlighted achievements in the health sector, including the recruitment of nearly 800 healthcare personnel comprising doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists to strengthen service delivery.
“We have upgraded seven comprehensive healthcare centres to general hospitals and expanded access to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services,” he noted.
He further disclosed that ₦950 million has been approved for the payment of allowances to Katsina State medical students studying within Nigeria and abroad between 2020 and 2023.
Calling on medical professionals to give back to society, the Governor urged doctors to serve in the state.
“Money is not everything; serving your people is a major responsibility, especially considering the support provided by the government throughout your training,” he stressed.
Governor Radda acknowledged that infrastructure and funding alone cannot eliminate malnutrition, emphasising the need for behavioural change, community participation, and evidence-based interventions.
He urged nutrition experts and stakeholders to develop practical and innovative solutions capable of translating policies into measurable grassroots impact.
“We must promote exclusive breastfeeding, improve maternal nutrition, strengthen nutrition education, and utilise locally available food resources to achieve balanced diets,” he added.
The Governor also encouraged the use of indigenous food resources such as moringa, noting that Katsina State is richly endowed with agricultural potential.
“Through proper nutritional education and behavioural change, we can empower our communities to utilise available resources effectively in combating malnutrition,” he said.
Governor Radda called on the Nutrition Society of Nigeria to intensify efforts in research, advocacy, and public enlightenment to improve nutrition outcomes across the state.
He commended development partners for their continued technical and financial support, assuring them of transparency and accountability in resource utilisation.
“To our traditional and religious leaders, your role in promoting hygiene, sanitation, and healthy living within communities remains critical,” he noted.
Governor Radda assured that recommendations from the workshop would be carefully reviewed and implemented.
“The fight against malnutrition remains a top priority of this administration as we work towards building a healthier, more productive, and prosperous Katsina State,” he stated.
Earlier, the Chief Guest, Professor Kabir Ibrahim Matazu, Statistician-General of Katsina State, described nutrition as a strategic investment in human capital development.
He noted that improved nutrition plays a vital role in strengthening education, productivity, and overall socio-economic growth.
He also commended the Katsina State Government for its ongoing reforms and unwavering commitment to enhancing health and nutrition outcomes, describing the efforts as timely and impactful.
Also speaking, Dr. Maimuna Aliyu Ladidi, explained the importance of strengthening the role of nutritionists and dieticians within the healthcare system, calling for increased investment in nutrition services and professional development.
The Chairperson of the Katsina State Nutrition Committee, Hajiya Rukayya Hamza Usman, praised Governor Radda for prioritising nutrition and public health initiatives.
Similarly, the Kanwan Katsina, Alhaji Usman Bello, called on stakeholders to deepen collaboration and partnerships aimed at improving nutrition outcomes across the state.
Attendees included the Chief of Staff, Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; members of the Katsina State Executive Council; representatives of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria; development partners; health professionals; and other key stakeholders.
