The Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda PhD CON has today inaugurated the State Task Force Committee on the World Food Program (WFP) Intervention.
This significant step was taken to ensure food security and support vulnerable populations in the state.
In his inaugural address, Governor Radda outlined the committee’s tripartite responsibilities, which include state responsibilities, joint responsibilities between the state government and the WFP, and WFP responsibilities.
“The state’s role includes ensuring easy access to communities at the onset of implementation and enhancing linkages between WFP intervention beneficiaries and other state projects,” Governor Radda stated.
He added, “The WFP will be responsible for organizing and supervising implementation arrangements with stakeholders, delivering food commodities, and providing up-to-date records on the status of implementation.”
Governor Radda expressed his appreciation to the WFP for its support to the North-West region, particularly Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states, which face significant security challenges.
He emphasized that following engagement with the WFP Country Director and Program Policy Officer, the state has developed a policy direction to ensure a level playing field for effective program implementation.
The committee, chaired by the Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals,
Hon. Maryam Hameeda Sodangi, comprises key stakeholders from various state ministries and agencies.
Members include the Commissioner for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Prof. Ahmed Muhammed Bakori; Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu; and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Hadiza Yar’adua, as well as executives from critical state bodies such as the Executive Secretary, Primary Health Care Development Agency; State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA); the Director General, Katsina State Enterprises Development Agency (KASEDA); and the Senior Special Assistant to Governor on Victims of Banditry and Internally Displaced Persons, Alhaji Saidu Ibrahim Kogunan Jibia.
To ensure seamless operation and effective representation, the Governor also included the Director General of Katsina State Agriculture and Rural Development Authority (KTARDA); Katsina State Coordinator of Cash Transfer Unit, and the Director of Research of the SDG’s Office among others.
Speaking during the inaugural session, the WFP Country Director, ably represented by the Program Policy Officer, Akeem Ajibola, explained that the intervention program covers four target components: support to vulnerables affected by banditry, nutrition, livelihood, and system capacity building. This comprehensive approach aims to address the multifaceted challenges faced by the region.
The inauguration of this task force marks a crucial step in Katsina State’s efforts to leverage international support for the benefit of its citizens, particularly those affected by insecurity and food vulnerability.
Governor Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the success of this initiative and improving the lives of Katsina State residents.
