Insecurity Turns Katsina State into One of the States with the Highest Number of Orphans - Governor Radda

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State made this statement on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the Government House, during a visit from the delegation of the International Islamic Relief Organisation (IIRO), Nigeria branch.

The Secretary-General of the Katsina State Islamic Education Bureau, Malam Salisu Abdullahi Bakori, who led the delegation, explained the purpose of their visit to the governor. He stated that the visit aimed to brief the governor on the orphans who would benefit from the educational assistance provided by the organisation, as well as the process through which the beneficiaries were identified. He further mentioned that the organisation had been involved in similar humanitarian activities in Katsina State since 2010 but had to pause the program due to internal challenges.

He went on to say that beneficiaries have been selected from all 34 local government areas, with Jibia Local Government Area having the highest number, with 30 beneficiaries. After the organisation completed the vetting process for the submitted names, it was determined that each beneficiary would receive funds proportional to the size of their family.

A total of 647 orphans are set to benefit from the support, which amounts to 996 million Naira. Each orphan will receive a minimum of two million Naira, with some receiving up to three million or slightly less, depending on their circumstances.

Speaking on behalf of the organisation, Malam Al-Amin Ahmed Hamza noted that the IIRO was established in 1962 with the aim of assisting vulnerable communities, particularly orphans. Over the years, the organisation has carried out various projects, including building mosques, Islamic schools, and boreholes. He also noted that Sheikh Gumi was the first head of the organisation in Nigeria. Hamza further explained that the current beneficiaries would be graduated from the program to make way for new beneficiaries, as most of the current beneficiaries are over 18 years old.

In his remarks, Governor Radda acknowledged that Sheikh Malam Salisu had recently sought government support to help identify potential beneficiaries, and the government had provided the necessary assistance. He expressed gratitude to the organisation for alleviating some of the burdens on the state, especially at a time when Katsina is facing an unprecedented number of orphans due to the activities of bandits that have devastated many families across the state.