By Zainab Tanimu
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has restated his administration’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian development and the protection of vulnerable populations, describing the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Town Hall Meeting as a crucial forum for assessing progress and shaping future interventions.
The high-level Town Hall meeting brought together the IRC Regional Vice President, Country Director, development partners, non-governmental organisations, traditional rulers, community leaders, and heads of government agencies. Governor Radda used the occasion to commend the IRC for prioritising the Northwest region and aligning its interventions with the state’s development agenda.
According to the Governor, internally displaced persons and conflict-affected communities in Katsina State require sustained and coordinated support. He expressed appreciation for IRC’s collaboration with the state in key sectors including nutrition, healthcare, education, protection, economic recovery, and women’s empowerment.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, noted that Governor Radda pledged to further strengthen partnerships with humanitarian organisations, particularly the IRC, to expand development outcomes across the state.
Governor Radda highlighted IRC’s data-driven approach to identifying vulnerable populations and building local capacity for long-term impact. He disclosed that the state government is intensifying efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery, with plans to establish fully functional primary health centres in each senatorial district.
“These facilities will operate round-the-clock and will be equipped with ambulances, staff quarters, and essential medical equipment to reduce maternal and child mortality,” the Governor explained.
He also outlined ongoing interventions in water supply, sanitation, and empowerment programmes designed to benefit both rural and urban communities. On women’s empowerment, the Governor revealed that more than 36,000 women have benefited from skills acquisition, vocational training, and livelihood support initiatives.
The Governor further stressed the importance of adolescent-focused programmes, describing women and youth as critical drivers of economic growth, social stability, and improved living standards in Katsina State.
Addressing the challenge of malnutrition, Governor Radda said the state has established nutrition committees and stabilisation centres, expanded outpatient therapeutic programmes, and partnered with organisations such as the IRC to tackle both immediate needs and underlying causes.
“Our objective is to provide sustainable, long-term solutions for affected communities,” he stated.
Earlier, the IRC Regional Vice President, Mr. Modou Diaw, explained that the organisation expanded its operations to Northwest Nigeria three years ago in response to high humanitarian needs, large displaced populations, and security challenges. He attributed IRC’s effectiveness in Katsina to Governor Radda’s strong support and the enabling environment provided by the state government.
Mr. Diaw praised IRC’s focus on reaching the most vulnerable in hard-to-reach areas through data-driven targeting, committed personnel, advocacy with the United Nations, and strong collaboration between government and non-governmental actors. He reaffirmed IRC’s continued commitment to Katsina State.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Aisha Aminu Malumfashi, welcomed the IRC and its partners, commending Governor Radda for his inclusive and people-centred leadership, particularly his support for women-focused policies.
She highlighted IRC’s contributions in health, nutrition, education, protection, economic recovery, and gender-based violence advocacy, while reaffirming her ministry’s readiness to sustain collaboration.
Similarly, the IRC Country Director, Mr. Babatunde Oge, applauded Governor Radda’s exemplary leadership and consistent government support, noting that the conducive environment in Katsina has enabled effective humanitarian action. He pledged IRC’s continued partnership with the state.
The IRC Field Coordinator, Mr. Elijah Olusegun Olagoke, said the Town Hall meeting strengthened collaboration among stakeholders, reviewed programme impacts across key sectors, and ensured alignment with state priorities. He added that feedback from the meeting would inform the next phase of IRC interventions.
Presenting an overview of IRC’s work, Mrs. Esther Agoriat disclosed that the organisation supports malnourished children, provides healthcare services, educates out-of-school and displaced children, strengthens child protection, and promotes women’s empowerment. She revealed that 25 per cent of IRC funding is channelled to national partners to build local capacity and ensure sustainability.
Other speakers, including Professor Saifullahi Sani and Dr. Mudassir, commended the data-driven planning approach and the strong government-IRC partnership, while Mr. Koguna highlighted Governor Radda’s peace-focused leadership and IRC’s deployment of over 300 staff across vulnerable communities.
Community members also shared testimonies on the impact of IRC interventions.
Murtala Dandagoro recounted how boreholes installed by the IRC improved access to clean water in his community. A resident with special needs from Ajiwa explained how receiving crutches through IRC assistance restored his mobility and independence. Likewise, Aisha Sanisu from Tudun Yan Lahidda narrated how IRC’s livelihood support helped her rebuild her business after losing her husband to a bandit attack.
The Town Hall meeting was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, representatives of the Katsina and Daura Emirates, and other senior government officials.
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