….Women Affairs Commissioner, IRC Country Director praise gov exemplary support for humanitarian action
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reiterated his administration’s staunch commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, describing the International Rescue Committee Town Hall Meeting as a vital platform to review achievements and shape future humanitarian interventions.
Speaking at the high-level Town Hall meeting attended by IRC Regional Vice President, Country Director, development partners, NGO representatives, traditional rulers, community leaders, and heads of government agencies, Governor Radda commended IRC for its strategic focus on the Northwest.
“Internally displaced persons and conflict-affected communities in Katsina State need urgent and sustained support. We appreciate IRC’s commitment to complementing our government’s initiatives in nutrition, health, education, protection, economic recovery, and women’s empowerment,” he said.
Governor Radda highlighted IRC’s data-driven approach in targeting the most vulnerable and building local capacity to ensure sustainable impact.
He disclosed that the government is strengthening primary health care across the state.
“Each SDG area in Katsina will soon have a functional primary health centre equipped with 24-hour services, ambulances, staff quarters, and essential medical equipment. This is aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality,” the Governor stated.
He also emphasized holistic interventions in water supply, sanitation, and empowerment programs, ensuring benefits for both rural and urban communities.
On women’s empowerment, the Governor revealed that over 36,000 women have benefited from targeted training, skills development, and livelihood support.
“Programs supporting adolescents are equally critical. Women and youth are essential drivers of economic growth, social stability, and improved living standards in our state,” he added.
Regarding malnutrition, he explained that Katsina State has established committees and stabilization centres, expanded outpatient therapeutic programs, and partnered with organizations like IRC to address immediate needs and root causes.
“Our goal is to ensure long-term solutions for affected communities,” the Governor said.
Earlier, IRC Regional Vice President, Mr. Modou Diaw, reflected on IRC’s decision to expand operations to Northwest Nigeria three years ago due to high needs, large IDP populations, and challenging security conditions.
He credited Governor Radda’s support and enabling environment for IRC’s effectiveness, noting that the organization focuses on reaching the most vulnerable in hard-to-reach areas.
Mr. Diaw praised data-driven targeting, committed staff, advocacy with the UN, and government-NGO collaboration for amplifying long-term impact.
He reaffirmed IRC’s commitment to continue supporting Katsina State.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Aisha Aminu Malumfashi, welcomed IRC and partners, commending Governor Radda for inclusive, people-centred leadership and support for women-focused policies.
She emphasized IRC’s impact in health, nutrition, education, protection, economic recovery, and gender-based violence advocacy.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to collaboration, women empowerment, girls’ protection, livelihoods support, and promoting dignity and resilience.
The IRC Country Director, Babatunde Oge, commended Governor Radda for exemplary leadership, consistent government support, and enabling environment for effective humanitarian action.
He reaffirmed IRC’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with Katsina State.
The IRC Field Coordinator, Mr. Elijah Olusegun Olagoke, said the Town Hall strengthened collaboration with the government and partners, reviewed impacts in health, nutrition, protection, education, and economic recovery, and aligned interventions with state priorities.
He called for continued stakeholder cooperation and noted that feedback would guide the next phase of IRC programs.
Mrs. Esther Agoriat outlined IRC’s interventions, including nutrition for malnourished children, health services, education for out-of-school and IDP children, child protection, and women’s empowerment.
She disclosed that 25 per cent of IRC funding goes to national partners to build local capacity and ensure sustainability.
Professor Saifullahi Sani praised data-driven planning, while Dr. Mudassir commended the government-IRC partnership.
Mr. Koguna highlighted Governor Radda’s peace-focused leadership and IRC’s deployment of over 300 staff to assist vulnerable communities.
Community members also shared personal impact stories during the Town Hall.
Murtala Dandagoro recounted how IRC-installed boreholes significantly improved access to clean water in his community.
A special need resident from Ajiwa described how receiving crutches through IRC assistance helped him regain mobility and independence.
Aisha Sanisu from Tudun Yan Lahidda shared how IRC support, including capital for her business, enabled her to rebuild her livelihood after losing her husband in a bandit attack.
The meeting was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, representatives from Katsina and Daura Emirates, and other top government officials.
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