*Acquires refrigerated truck to strengthen vaccine distribution
*Launches N4 billion food security initiative
*Commends security forces for neutralising bandits in Danmusa
By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Katsina
Katsina state Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has expressed commitment towards effective healthcare delivery in the state.
He stated this during a visit by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who led a high-level delegation comprising of representatives from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery, expanding infrastructure, and advancing routine immunization and polio eradication efforts across the state.
Governor Radda highlighted the administration’s achievements in improving access to quality healthcare, stating:
“We have completed 158 primary healthcare facilities and recently awarded contracts for an additional 102, bringing the total to nearly 300. By the end of this administration, we aim to have 360 fully functional primary healthcare centers across the state, each equipped with off-grid staff quarters, ambulances, and essential medical equipment,” he said.
He further emphasized improvements in healthcare service delivery: “To ensure these facilities operate efficiently, we are deploying at least three community health workers per facility and implementing a three-shift system for 24-hour service delivery.”
The Governor also revealed plans for residency training programs and strategic partnerships to address healthcare worker shortages.
Governor Radda announced key investments in specialized healthcare services, stating that: “We are establishing a state-of-the-art dialysis center and an advanced imaging center to reduce the need for medical travel abroad and position Katsina as a hub for medical tourism.”
The Governor also highlighted the crucial role of partnerships in advancing healthcare, acknowledging the support of the Gates Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation, UNICEF, WHO and other development partners.
Prof. Pate called on the state government to intensify efforts in tracking immunization progress, ensuring full coverage of eligible children while identifying and addressing gaps.
“The recent local government elections provide an opportunity for chairmen to be actively involved in immunization campaigns and ensure accountability at the grassroots level,” the Minister noted.
He also raised concerns over high maternal mortality rates and emphasized the need for: ” Deployment of skilled birth attendants and community-based health workers; provision of essential maternal and reproductive health commodities; strengthened collaboration to ensure safe motherhood initiatives.”
Prof. Pate, in his remarks, commended Katsina’s efforts in revitalizing healthcare facilities and encouraged the state to leverage federal initiatives such as Project Hope and federal budgetary allocations to strengthen the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina.
Speaking on polio eradication, Mr. Chris Elias, Chairman of the Polio Oversight Board at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, commended Nigeria’s remarkable progress in eliminating wild poliovirus.
He said, “snce 2016, Nigeria has remained free of wild poliovirus. However, the fight is not over—we are now confronting variant vaccine-derived polioviruses, which require sustained commitment at all levels.”
He emphasized the role of strong political leadership in the final stretch of polio eradication and reaffirmed the Gates Foundation’s commitment to supporting Katsina in achieving this goal.
We remain committed to effective healthcare delivery- Governor Radda
Katsina State Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has officially marked the successful completion of a landmark healthcare partnership between the Katsina State Government and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, aimed at enhancing immunisation coverage and strengthening primary healthcare delivery.
This initiative, funded by Gavi, coordinated by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and organised by Katsina State Primary Health Care Agency, was part of a broader effort covering eight states—Bayelsa, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Taraba, and Zamfara.
Notably, Katsina State emerged as one of the top-performing states in the programme, demonstrating a strong commitment to immunisation and healthcare system strengthening.
Speaking at the close-out ceremony held at Government House, Governor Radda highlighted the significance of the partnership, emphasising that it represented a historic milestone in global health financing.
“For the first time globally, Gavi has invested directly at the sub-national level, and in Katsina State, this investment has proven to be a resounding success. Through this collaboration, we have ensured that no child is left behind in receiving life-saving vaccines and essential healthcare services.”
Governor Radda outlined the tangible benefits of the programme, including strengthened cold chain infrastructure, with the solarisation of vaccine storage facilities to ensure uninterrupted vaccine preservation.
Establishment of a new State Coordination Centre to enhance healthcare management and oversight; deployment of 361 motorcycles to improve healthcare service delivery in remote communities; acquisition of refrigerated Van to support vaccine distribution across the state.
Provision of 400 TCW Solar Direct Device vaccine storage units to bolster immunisation efforts; renovation of seven primary healthcare centres, set for full operation by March 2025; installation of modern incinerator for better medical waste management.
Integration of 478 healthcare workers into the state government workforce, significantly boosting healthcare capacity.
Speaking at the event, Mr Rihood Muhammad Farah, Chief of UNICEF Kano Field Office, emphasised the impact of the three-year partnership and reiterated the need for sustainability.
“This partnership has demonstrated the power of collaboration in strengthening healthcare systems.
“The transition today does not mark the end of our engagement with Katsina State but rather the beginning of a new phase focused on sustaining and expanding these gains,” Farah said.
Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to healthcare excellence, pledging continued collaboration with stakeholders.
“We will continue working with development partners to ensure that our communities receive the highest quality healthcare services, thereby improving health outcomes across the state,” he added.
Representing the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Maryam Musa Yahaya commended Katsina State’s outstanding performance in the partnership, stressing the importance of community engagement, sustainability, and continuous support from donors and development partners.
“The success of this initiative in Katsina State proves that sub-national investments in healthcare can deliver transformative results. Going forward, we must prioritise local ownership, regular stakeholder engagement, and a long-term sustainability strategy,” she said.
Providing an overview of the state’s broader healthcare agenda, the Katsina State Commissioner for Health, Hon. Musa Adamu Funtua, highlighted additional key milestones achieved under Governor Radda’s administration to ensure 78% implementation of the state’s health budget, ensuring improved healthcare financing; establishment and
Completion of a state of the Earth Dialysis centre, expanding specialised healthcare servicer, and certification of 27 out of 34 local government areas as open defecation-free, a major public health achievement.
Concluding his remarks, the Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring accessible, high-quality healthcare for all residents of Katsina State.
“We remain steadfast in our mission to strengthen our healthcare system and sustain the progress achieved through this partnership,” he added.
Katsina launches N4 billion food security initiative.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has unveiled a N4 billion investment in consumer shops dubbed ‘Rumbun Sauki’ to enhance food security and economic stability across the state.
The initiative was launched during a recent sensitisation and registration program at the state secretariat, Katsina.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Radda noted that the state government will commence sales with a 10% subsidy for state workers, local government employees, LEA staff, and elderly persons.
The Governor detailed that operations would begin with seven centres – three in Katsina and two each in Daura and Funtua senatorial zones.
He emphasised strict oversight measures, warning that “any managers of the program found involved in any wrongdoing would face the full wrath of the law.”
Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe noted the economic impact of the initiative. “With the huge investment of about four billion naira on the procurement of commodities, vendors would annually make a turnover of not less than fifty billion naira, considering the level of economic activities that will accompany these transactions,” he stated.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Economy, Engr. Yakubu Nuhu Danja detailed that the commodities to be provided under the program include rice, flour, corn, flour, and spaghetti.
“The items would be packaged in various sizes from fifty to one kilogram,” Engineer Danja emphasised, adding, “Rumbun Sauki is not just a government initiative but also a lifeline for families and individuals facing economic hardship,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Shuaibu Mohammed of Strangler Integrated Value Chain and Services, the program consultant, explained the registration process, noting that “all eligible beneficiaries are expected to register online to have full access to the commodities using ATM or money point accounts and Internet transactions.”
Recall that in October 2024, Governor Radda expressed the intention to replicate the consumer shops in Katsina, following its replica commissioned in Jigawa State.
The Rumbun Sauki received endorsements from labour representatives, including NLC State Chairman Comrade Husaini Hamisu Yanduna and Head of State Civil Service Alhaji Falalu Bawale, who praised the government’s efforts to alleviate economic pressures on workers and retirees.
Katsina govt. Comments security forces for neutralising bandits in Danmusa
Katsina State Government has applauded troops of the Joint Task Force, consisting of personnel from the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and the Nigerian Air Force, for their valour and professionalism in a successful operation against bandits in Danmusa Local Government Area.
This was contained in a Statement by the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Muazu.
According to Maazu, the operation, conducted on 17 February 2025, targeted the hideout of the notorious bandit kingpin, Kamilu Buzaru, and his gang at Dargaza Hill, dealing a significant blow to criminal elements threatening the peace of the state.
“We commend the exceptional synergy and coordination between the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force in this operation.
” The precision airstrike by NAF aircraft, followed by a well-executed sweep by ground troops, demonstrates the unwavering commitment and resilience of our armed forces.
“This decisive action has successfully neutralised fifty-three criminals and prevented further threats to our communities, reinforcing the dedication of our security forces to restoring peace and stability.
“The government remains resolute in its commitment to supporting security forces in their mission to restore peace and security across the state. We urge our people to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely information that will aid ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal activities,” Maazu stated.