Katsina Govt. Approves N700m Counterpart Funds For Nutrition, Girls Education
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda
Katsina State Government has approved the release of N700 million as counterpart fund for the implementation of Phase II of the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) Project in the state.
Commissioner of Health Musa Adamu Funtua made this known to newsmen on Thursday after the State Executive Council meeting.
He explained that the programme is designed to improve the health and nutrition of pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls, and children under five across the State.
Musa Adamu said that the ANRiN programme places human development and the well-being of the people first.
“In that regard, the Council also reaffirmed Katsina State’s full participation in the Accelerating Resource for Human Capital (AREN 2.0) Programme, a World Bank-supported initiative,” the Commissioner stated.
According to him, through this new phase, the state will expand interventions to improve maternal and child health, nutrition, and access to primary healthcare services.
He said that the project will be implemented in partnership with the Ministries of Health, Budget and Economic Planning, and that of Agriculture and Livestock.
“Special focus will be placed on ensuring that expectant mothers receive proper nutrition, children are healthy and well-fed, and girls aged 5 to 19 years are supported to stay in school and thrive,” he said.
“This is how we build a stronger, healthier, and more productive generation for Katsina State.”
Meanwhile, the State Executive Council has also given its nod for a statewide training of youths across the 34 local government areas of the state in various vocational and technical skills to make them self-reliant and productive members of the society.
The training will be handled by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Aliyu Lawal Shargalle.
“This programme is a major component of the Radda administration’s youth-focused agenda, creating opportunities that prepare young people for meaningful participation in the economy,” he said.
Also, the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Engr. Sani Magaji Ingawa, revealed that the Council has approved the rehabilitation of 74 Jumu’at Mosques across the state “to strengthen moral and religious life as part of overall human development.”
Engineer Ingawa also said his ministry would construct a single carriageway along Filin Polo Western Ring Road in Katsina as part of government’s ongoing Urban Renewal Programme.
He also said the Council has approved the upgrading and renovation of the Katsina State Youth Craft Village, and equip it with modern training facilities and expand its capacity to provide vocational training.
On his part, Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango said approval has been given to open Rumbun Sauki Programme, a government subsidised mall, in Malumfashi.
“The newly approved measures under the Rumbun Sauki Programme include a downward review of commodity prices in all Rumbun Sauki stores across the State. This adjustment is aimed at making essential goods more affordable for civil servants and easing the financial burden on households,” he added.
