By Abdullahi Shugaba, in Katsina
The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has flagged off new Stabilization Centres and Outpatient Therapeutic Programme (OTP) centres as part of efforts to tackle child malnutrition in the state.
The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Malam Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed said at the flag-off ceremony which took place in Baure Local Government of Katsina, the governor said the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to protect children and improve access to healthcare services.
Radda announced the establishment of two Stabilization Centres in Daura and Baure, alongside 60 OTP sites across 12 local government areas of the state which include; Funtua, Danja, Malumfashi, Ingawa, Bindawa, Dutsi, Kusada, Charanchi, Rimi, Mani, Mashi and Kankia.
He said the new centres would provide free treatment and care for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, while the OTP sites would ensure early detection and treatment at the community level.
“These communities have been underserved for too long. Today, that gap is being closd, and that injustice is being addressed,” he said.
The governor also raised concern over the misuse of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food meant for malnourished children, warning that anyone found diverting or selling the product would face legal action.
“I have approved a mobile court to handle such cases. Any healthcare worker, community member, or individual found diverting or selling RUTF will face immediate legal action, and there will be no exceptions,” he added.
The Governor further stressed that anyone found buying RUTF illegally will have the items seized and face the consequences of their actions.
It will be recalled that this development is a fallout of a high-level conference on mobilising stakeholders against malnutrition which was attended by Governor Radda in November 2025, Abuja.
During the conference, Katsina State Government received £10 million pledge from the European Union to combat malnutrition.
Governor Radda commended development partners, including UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontières, for supporting the state’s nutrition programme. He equally extended his commendation to the multi-sectoral committee and the technical sub-committee whose dedication, professionalism and sense of duty made the historic achievement possible.
In a similarly vein, the Governor proceeded to Daura where the second stabilisation was officially commissioned.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Lawal Rabe, disclosed the governor has approved ₦700 million as counterpart fund for wotld bank Accelerated Nutrition Result in Nigeria (ANRIN to strengthen nutrition interventions across the state.
Rabe, who represented the Commissioner for Health, noted that the health sector remains a key priority of the administration, adding that the government is upgrading several primary healthcare centres into general hospitals to improve access to quality services.
According to him, the projects are ongoing in Zango, Baure, Mai’adua, Dandume and other parts of the state. He commended the governor for his continued support and commitment to improving healthcare delivery.
In her welcome address, the Chairperson of the State Nutrition Committee, Ruqayya Hamza Usman, said the government has expanded access to nutrition services across 12 local government areas.
She explained that 60 OTP sites have been established in areas that previously had no access to such services, improving early detection and treatment of malnutrition.
Ruqayya added that over 600 community volunteers have been trained to identify malnourished children early, while more than 300 health workers have been equipped to support service delivery.
She said new and upgraded Stabilization Centres now provide free treatment, improved facilities and support for caregivers. According to her, accountability measures have also been introduced to ensure that nutrition supplies reach the intended beneficiaries.
She noted that the initiative reflects strong leadership and a clear commitment to tackling malnutrition across the state.
Equally while delivering his welcome address, Chairman of Baure LGA, Alhaji Saminu Sulaiman said the stabilisation centres will prevent people from going to the neighbouring Niger republic for medical attention.
The Chairman also expressed gratitude to the State Government for upgrading and revitalizing of several primary health centres and renovation of schools in the areas.
The event also featured goodwill messages from development partners UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontiers, and traditional leaders, who commended the government’s efforts and pledged continued support.
