The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has organised a townhall meeting in Katsina State to review the impact of its humanitarian interventions, strengthen collaboration and align future programmes with the state’s development and humanitarian priorities.
The meeting, held in Katsina, was led by the IRC Regional Vice President, Mr. Modo Diaw, and the IRC Country Director, Mr. Babatunde Oge, alongside other members of the organisation’s leadership and programme teams.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Diaw said the meeting was aimed at assessing the effectiveness of IRC’s humanitarian response in Katsina State and strengthening coordination with the state government, development partners and local stakeholders.
He noted that the engagement provided an opportunity for the IRC leadership to review progress, identify gaps and ensure that future interventions are better aligned with the state’s humanitarian and development agenda.
The IRC Country Director, Mr. Babatunde Oge, said the Town Hall underscored the organisation’s commitment to accountability, partnership and community-driven programming.
Mr. Oge explained that discussions focused on reviewing interventions in health, nutrition, protection, education and economic recovery, while also gathering feedback from government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and beneficiaries to guide future programming.
Also, the IRC Field Coordinator, Mr. Elijah Olusegun Olagoke, said the engagement was designed to deepen collaboration with state institutions, development partners and local organisations to promote sustainability, efficiency and effective targeting of vulnerable populations.
According to him, insights from the Town Hall would help the organisation refine its strategies, expand impact in hard-to-reach communities and ensure full alignment with Katsina State’s priorities.
The Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and strengthening partnerships with humanitarian organisations operating in the state.
The Governor described the Town Hall as a critical platform for reviewing progress and shaping future interventions to address the needs of internally displaced persons and conflict-affected communities.
Governor Radda commended the IRC leadership for its data-driven approach and emphasis on local capacity building, assuring the organisation of continued government support for programmes in health, nutrition, education, protection, economic recovery and women’s empowerment.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts by the state government to strengthen primary healthcare services, expand water and sanitation infrastructure, empower women and youth, and tackle malnutrition through coordinated and sustainable measures.
The Town Hall Meeting was attended by senior government officials, development partners, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations and members of the IRC management team.