The Katsina State government, on Wednesday, constituted a 15-member special committee to assess and address malnutrition across the state.

Inaugurating the committee in Katsina, Governor Dikko Radda said the decision followed recent reports highlighting the severity of the challenge.

Mr Radda, who joined the event virtually, said the committee was tasked with reviewing the recent Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) malnutrition report and identifying the most affected areas and households.

He said the committee would also recommend urgent measures on the effective distribution of assorted grains from the government’s food reserves.

The governor expressed gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to address the issue and welcomed the MSF report as a “wake-up call”, despite some contested aspects.

“I remember visiting one of the centres in July, and what I saw was deeply unpleasant to anyone with a heart.

“We cannot deny that we have a problem of malnutrition—not just in Katsina, but across the country. We must act to ensure every child survives, receives education and healthcare, and enjoys the basic infrastructure for a better life.

“We want to see swift action. Submit your report quickly so we can start implementing recommendations. We thank all—whether critics or supporters—whose comments have pushed us to act faster,” Mr Radda stated.

In his remarks, the state deputy governor, Faruk Lawal-Jobe, reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to eradicating malnutrition, stressing that the committee’s work would be central to shaping government action.

“This committee’s work will be crucial in guiding the government’s response and ensuring that no community is left behind,” he said.

Mr Lawal-Jobe said the committee would submit its report within two weeks of inauguration.

Ahmed Filin-Samji, the chairman of the Zakat and Waqaf Board, would also serve as the committee’s chairman, while Abdulrahman Abdullahi, who is the chairman of civil society organisations (CSOs), would be the vice chairman.

Members were representatives from the Katsina House of Assembly, the ministry of special duties, the Katsina and Daura Emirates, the Izala and Darika Islamic sects, ALGON, the executive secretary of the state primary healthcare agency and the statistician-general, among others.

(NAN)