Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has appealed for immediate intervention in the escalating security crisis gripping the North West region of Nigeria.
He made the appeal while speaking at a recent meeting in Abuja between state government officials and representatives from the World Food Programme, WFP.
While highlighting the dire situation, he thanked the WFP representatives led by Country Director, David Stevenson, for recognizing the North West as a critical area in need of assistance.
“We appreciate the World Food Programme for acknowledging the severe challenges we face in the North West,” Governor Radda said.
“The epicenter of conflict has shifted from the North East, where Boko Haram activity has significantly decreased, to the North West. We are now at the forefront of this war zone.”
He said his administration since assuming office nearly a year ago, has initiated numerous efforts to combat insecurity, but the situation remains dire.
The Katsina governor also acknowledged the severe impact of the ongoing violence in neighbouring Zamfara State. While describing the situation of both states as “alarming”, he stressed the need for immediate international support.
“We are grateful that the World Food Programme has turned its attention to the North West. While this intervention comes at a critical time, it is not too late. We desperately need assistance to address these challenges,” he stated.
While emphasizing his administration’s commitment to supporting the state’s vulnerable populations, Governor Radda disclosed measures they have taken to cushion the effects of food insecurity in the state.
“During the last Ramadan fasting period, we provided cooked meals for 72,000 people every day for 30 days. Additionally, we distributed foodstuffs worth 10 billion naira in collaboration with local governments, selling them at highly subsidized rates to assist the poor and displaced in their communities,” he stated.
The Katsina Governor also disclosed that approximately 43,000 less privileged individuals, including disabled persons, widows, and orphans received foodstuff and financial aid; each of the beneficiaries received a bag of rice and N10,000.
He also disclosed recent efforts of his administration to combat insecurity through job creation.
“Yesterday, we launched a program to train 3,000 young men and women in mechatronics, providing stipends during their six-month training.
“We have allocated 3.4 billion naira through the Katsina State Enterprises Development Agency, in partnership with Amana Micro Finance Bank, to support these trainees in establishing workshops and recruiting others.”
He added that his administration is working to enhance productivity by providing improved seeds, best practices, and necessary inputs to smallholder farmers.
“We are creating a Mechanization Center to make modern farming equipment accessible at subsidized rates. “This week, we plan to distribute 400,000 bags of fertilizer, worth N22 billion, to farmers,” he said.