Katsina governor approves 90,000 bags of grains for vulnerable households

Dikko Radda of Katsina State has approved the release of 90,000 bags of grains for direct distribution to the most vulnerable households.

The approval was given on Monday in Katsina while the governor received the final report of the Special Committee on Malnutrition recently inaugurated in the state.

Our correspondent reports that Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Malam Ibrahim Kaula, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen.

Our correspondent recalls that following severe cases of child malnutrition in the state, Radda inaugurated a committee led by Dr Ahmad Filin-Samji to tackle the problem.

Radda directed the committee to supervise distribution of food items purchased in 2024 for emergency use, stressing fairness and accountability in the entire process.

He also announced plans to establish Outpatient Therapeutic Programme (OTP) centres across all 34 Local Government Areas to provide specialised care for malnourished children.

According to him, the centres will ensure timely treatment for affected children, bringing lifesaving support closer to vulnerable families and communities across the state.

Commending the committee, Radda praised its dedication and its report, which highlighted the scale of the crisis and offered practical recommendations for government action.

“I sincerely thank the committee for the hard work and sacrifices. Your findings have provided both a clear picture and a clear direction,” he said.

Radda also warned against diversion of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (Dan Kwamaso), meant strictly for malnourished children, vowing sanctions against health workers caught engaging in malpractice.

He stressed that reports of supply diversion were disturbing, adding that anyone found guilty of tampering with life-saving items would be punished accordingly.

“We cannot afford compromise when saving children’s lives. Anyone caught diverting or tampering with these supplies will be dealt with decisively,” Radda said.

Earlier, Filin-Samji said the committee uncovered high rates of stunting, wasting, and underweight among children, reflecting the severity of malnutrition in the state.

He further disclosed that the committee discovered RUTF diversion, weaknesses in supply chain management, and widespread social vulnerabilities worsening the malnutrition crisis.

According to him, a recent survey showed nearly half of households live below the minimum expenditure basket, leaving many highly vulnerable to hunger and malnutrition.

The committee recommended strengthening the food supply chain, sanctioning those diverting children’s food, and prioritising grain distribution to the hardest-hit households.

It also urged intensified advocacy on exclusive breastfeeding, describing it as one of the quickest ways to reduce child malnutrition across Katsina State.