Katsina: Mercy Corps, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), on Wednesday, handed over a newly constructed Veterinary Clinic and a rehabilitated structure in Danmusa Local Government Area (LGA) to the Katsina State Government. The project, which included a 20,000-litre capacity upgraded solar-powered borehole, was executed under the European Union-funded Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR) project.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD). Speaking during the event, the Commissioner for Livestock and Animal Husbandry in Katsina State, Prof Ahmed Bakori, commended Mercy Corps and its partners for their commitment to supporting peace and development in the state. He praised the state government for restoring peace and stability, noting that the project would improve livestock services and the welfare of farmers who depend on animal health services for their livelihood.
Bakori further emphasized that improved security in the state had enabled development partners to implement meaningful interventions in communities previously affected. He mentioned that Governor Dikko Radda was recently in South Africa to explore strategies for boosting livestock production and strengthening the livestock value chain in line with the government’s economic development agenda.
In his remarks, Mercy Corps Senior Programme Manager, Mr. Philip Ikita, expressed satisfaction with the timely and successful implementation of the project in Danmusa. He stated that although Mercy Corps began its operations in the state in 2023, security challenges initially prevented the organisation from accessing some areas, including Danmusa. Ikita highlighted that the project would improve access to essential services, strengthen livelihoods, and contribute to sustaining peace in the community.
The project involved upgrading a veterinary clinic from a two-room structure into a fully functional six-office facility, aimed at strengthening livestock healthcare services in the area. The programme builds on the success of the Conflict Mitigation and Community Reconciliation (CMCR) project and seeks to promote long-term peace and stability in Northwest Nigeria. It works across 48 communities in Zamfara and Katsina States, addressing the root causes of conflict, enhancing community resilience, and strengthening socio-economic recovery.
Additionally, the District Head of Danmusa, Ahmadu Abubakar, expressed appreciation to Mercy Corps and its partners for the intervention, describing the projects as timely and beneficial.