Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has rolled out sweeping measures to combat malnutrition, ordering the release of 90,000 bags of grains to vulnerable households and announcing the establishment of Outpatient Therapeutic Programme (OTP) centres in all 34 Local Government Areas.
The governor, speaking at Muhammadu Buhari Government House after receiving the final report of the Special Committee on Malnutrition, warned that his administration would not tolerate diversion of food supplies or therapeutic foods meant for children.
“Anyone caught tampering with these life-saving interventions will be dealt with decisively. We cannot afford to compromise when it comes to the lives of our children,” Radda declared.
He directed the State Primary Healthcare Agency to work with relevant stakeholders to cost and implement the OTP centres immediately, alongside plans to revitalize stabilization centres and set up a local Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) production factory.
The Malnutrition Committee, led by Dr. Ahmed Abdullahi Filin-Samji, revealed disturbing findings: widespread stunting, wasting, and underweight cases among children, coupled with evidence of supply diversion and deep poverty levels—nearly half of households surveyed live below the minimum expenditure basket.
The committee urged government to:
Sanction culprits diverting supplies.
Prioritize grain distribution to the most vulnerable.
Intensify advocacy on exclusive breastfeeding.
Elevate the Zakkat and Waqaf Board into a Ministry to strengthen welfare programmes.
Radda commended the committee for its dedication, noting that its recommendations had provided a roadmap for urgent action.
“Tackling malnutrition is not just about today’s hunger—it’s about safeguarding the future of Katsina’s children. By Allah’s grace, this government will not relent,” he assured.
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