Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar, Katsina Times 

Katsina, Nigeria — The International Rescue Committee (IRC) reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian efforts in Katsina State during a recent meeting with state government officials. The meeting, held at the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, focused on ongoing projects and future collaborations aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable populations in the region.

Ruqayya Jibril, the Coordinator of the International Rescue Committee, highlighted the purpose of her visit, which was to strengthen ties with the Katsina State Government and to inform officials about the IRC’s ongoing and planned activities. Jibril expressed her gratitude for the support and collaboration from the state government, acknowledging the positive relationship established with various state agencies.

The IRC, one of the largest international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), has been active in Nigeria since 2012, initially responding to emergencies in Kogi, Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States. The organization expanded its operations to the Northwest in 2021, following an emergency response in the region.

In Katsina, the IRC’s efforts are focused on healthcare, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and social protection. The organization collaborates with the Ministry of Health, State Primary Healthcare Development Agencies, and other local bodies to support and enhance existing structures, ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare services. This includes providing medical supplies, training healthcare workers, and supporting reproductive health and nutrition programs.

Jibril also mentioned the IRC’s work in addressing acute malnutrition among children under five, supporting community management of malnutrition, and collaborating with UNICEF to provide therapeutic feeding. In addition, the IRC has been actively involved in improving water and sanitation facilities in communities, particularly in Dandogoro, where they rehabilitated boreholes in collaboration with Ruwasa and the Ministry of Water Resources.

The IRC also plays a significant role in social protection, working with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Girl Child Education to provide care and dignity kits to survivors of gender-based violence. The organization’s economic recovery department supports livelihoods and agriculture, and provides cash assistance to internally displaced persons in Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto States.

Representing the Katsina State Government Secretary, Alh. Salisu Abdu, the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet and Security, praised the IRC for its impactful contributions to the state. He expressed the government’s appreciation for the IRC’s efforts in a wide range of areas, describing the organization as a “mini government” due to its extensive involvement in key sectors.

Alh. Abdu assured the IRC of the state government’s continued partnership and support, emphasizing the importance of such collaborations in the development of the state. He extended the government’s gratitude and prayers for the success of the IRC’s initiatives, affirming that the state is ready and willing to work closely with the organization for the betterment of its people.

The meeting underscored the strong relationship between the Katsina State Government and the International Rescue Committee, highlighting the shared commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable communities in the region.