, strengthening Katsina State's commitment to improving the lives of children){kind=link}
… we’ve successfully upgraded, renovated 158 PHCs.
… N500m counterpart funding to combat acute malnutrition.
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda today signed the UNICEF Multi-Year Work Plan (2025-2027), strengthening Katsina State’s commitment to improving the lives of children through enhanced education, healthcare, nutrition, and social services.
The Governor announced that his administration has invested over ₦120 billion in the education sector, constructing and rehabilitating classrooms, equipping science and technical institutions, and recruiting qualified teachers.
“We are committed to reducing the number of out-of-school children by providing access to quality education and scholarships, particularly for tertiary students and youth empowerment programs,” Governor Radda declared during the signing ceremony.
In healthcare, the administration has introduced a Residency Training Program and sponsored foreign scholarships for medical students. “Our Medical College is progressing steadily, with students already in their 300 level—we expect to graduate our first locally trained doctors within four years,” the Governor stated.
The state has secured medical supplies valued at over ₦10 million from World Medical Relief and an additional 10 containers of advanced medical equipment—including MRI and CT scan machines—from Project CURE, USA.
Governor Radda highlighted innovative measures implemented by his administration, including a cloud-based electronic health records system and biometric clock-in systems for Primary Healthcare Center workers to enhance transparency and improve service delivery.
“We have successfully upgraded and renovated 158 Primary Healthcare Centres with new medical equipment, solar-powered electricity, water supply, and tricycle ambulances,” he said, adding that more PHCs will be rehabilitated this year to ensure every ward has a fully functional facility.
The state distributed 361 motorcycles to frontline health workers to boost immunization coverage and committed over ₦500 million in counterpart funding to combat acute malnutrition in partnership with UNICEF.
“As we sign this work plan today, we do so with a strong sense of purpose,” Governor Radda emphasized. “Katsina State is fully committed to fulfilling our obligations—including counterpart funding—to ensure the successful implementation of this plan.”
The Governor concluded with a firm promise: “We will do our part to make this collaboration effective, impactful, and result-oriented. We owe it to our people—and particularly to our children—to ensure that every kobo invested leads to meaningful change.”
The work plan was jointly developed by the UNICEF Kano Field Office and Katsina State Ministries, Departments, and Agencies as part of the ongoing Federal Government of Nigeria–UNICEF Country Programme of Cooperation (2023–2027).
Earlier, Dr. Serekeberehan Seyoum, Health Manager at UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, praised Governor Radda’s administration for its unwavering commitment to children’s welfare.
“Under Your Excellency’s visionary leadership, this commitment has grown even stronger. The state consistent allocation of resources to critical programs in health, nutrition, education, and social protection,” Dr. Seyoum stated.
Seyoum further commended Katsina for already taking bold steps, such as implementing the Hadaka integrated Mobile Outreach, and -MCH Track in the health sector, positioning the state as “a leader in development-driven governance.”
The UNICEF Manager emphasized that the new work plan “is not just a document—it represents a shared vision for a healthier, safer, and more prosperous future for every child in Katsina.”
“I respectfully urge the Katsina State Government to consider increasing domestic resource allocation to key sectors such as health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, child protection, and social welfare. Doing so will help build resilient systems that are self-reliant and sustainable,” Dr. Seyoum said.
Dr. Seyoum warned that polio remains a significant threat, calling for mobilization of resources and raised awareness to reach every corner of the state. “Community leaders, religious figures, and local government officials must all be engaged and held accountable to ensure no child is left unvaccinated,” he stressed
“We also call on the government to prioritize child-sensitive social protection interventions aimed at reducing multiple deprivations among children in both rural and urban areas,” Dr. Seyoum added.
Dr. Seyoum was representing Mr. Rahama, who was absent due to travel commitments in the United States.
He also extended UNICEF’s condolences for the recent passing of the Governor’s mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umaru Barebari, offering prayers for peace and comfort to her family.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, State Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, State Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Parastatals, Directors of Ministries and top-level UNICEF Representatives.
Press Released Signed By Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
About The Author
