Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has secured the approval of the Executive Council (Exco) for N500 million as the state government’s counterpart funding for the procurement of nutrition commodities for 2026, strengthening efforts to manage acute malnutrition among children across the state.
Health Commissioner Musa Adamu said the intervention would sustain the provision of essential nutrition commodities for children suffering from acute malnutrition and strengthen the state’s response to the condition.
The approval was among major decisions reached at the 15th Regular Meeting of the Katsina State Executive Council, chaired by Governor Radda, on Wednesday, at the General Muhammadu Buhari House, Katsina.
The Special Adviser on Market Development, Mustapha Batsari, revealed the Exco’s approval for the modernisation of selected markets across the three senatorial zones, including Dandume, Daura, Mashi and Jibia markets.
Bala said the market modernisation was part of the administration’s efforts to improve commercial infrastructure and strengthen the socio-economic well-being of the residents.
Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr Salisu Zango, said the Exco approved the procurement of 95,000 bags of assorted grains for distribution to the less privileged and vulnerable residents across the state, adding that the intervention was part of measures by the Radda administration to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship and provide support to households in need.
He said the Exco approved the procurement and distribution of non-food items and cash support to vulnerable residents, particularly orphans, widows, persons with special needs and other less privileged members of the society.
Zango said the Exco also approved the rehabilitation of 81 Jumu’at Mosques across the 34 local government areas of Katsina State.
He noted that the intervention was aimed at improving and maintaining religious infrastructure, promoting Islamic values and strengthening community cohesion.
On youth development, the Exco approved the establishment of Katsina State Model United Nations Organisation (MUNDO) as a government-led initiative supported by development partners.
The Executive Secretary of Katsina Development Management Board, Mustapha Shehu, said the initiative would expose talented young people in the state to leadership, diplomacy and public service, while preparing them to contribute to the development of Katsina State.
Speaking further on development coordination, Shehu said the Exco approved a central coordination and evidence-clearing mechanism for HOPE-GOV, HOPE-PHC and HOPE-EDU to review programme requirements, align sectoral technical teams and strengthen coordination towards achieving and verifying applicable Disbursement Linked Indicators.
He said the measure was expected to support effective implementation and maximise the benefits of the World Bank-supported programmes, particularly HOPE-PHC and HOPE-EDU.
Shehu said the Exco approved the establishment of a statewide compliance framework for the utilisation of performance-based financing and reward funds, aimed at strengthening accountability and coordination in the implementation of development programmes.