Mercy Corps Delivers New Veterinary Clinic to Katsina Govt.

News in brief:

-Mercy Corps delivered a new six-office veterinary clinic and rehabilitated facilities to Katsina State under the EU-funded CPCRR project.

-The intervention aims to strengthen livestock healthcare, support farmer livelihoods, and promote peace in conflict-affected communities.

Mercy Corps, a non-governmental organisation, has handed over a newly constructed veterinary clinic and rehabilitated structure in Danmusa Local Government Area to the Katsina State Government.

The project, which includes a 20,000-litre upgraded solar-powered borehole, was executed under the European Union-funded Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience project.

The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration and the Centre for Democracy and Development.

State Government Commends Development Partners

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Commissioner for Livestock and Animal Husbandry in Katsina State, Professor Ahmed Bakori, commended Mercy Corps and its partners for supporting peacebuilding and development efforts.

He noted that the project would enhance livestock services and improve the welfare of farmers who rely on animal health services for their livelihoods.

Bakori added that improved security across the state had enabled development partners to resume interventions in previously inaccessible communities.

He also referenced recent efforts by Governor Dikko Radda to strengthen livestock production and the value chain through international engagements aimed at boosting economic development.

Expanding Access to Essential Services

Mercy Corps Senior Programme Manager, Philip Ikita, expressed satisfaction with the timely completion of the project in Danmusa.

He explained that although the organisation commenced operations in Katsina in 2023, security challenges initially limited access to some communities.

According to him, the intervention upgraded the veterinary clinic from a two-room structure into a fully functional six-office facility designed to strengthen livestock healthcare services.

He noted that the programme builds on the success of the Conflict Mitigation and Community Reconciliation project and seeks to promote long-term peace and stability across Northwest Nigeria.

The broader resilience programme operates in 48 communities across Zamfara and Katsina States, addressing root causes of conflict, enhancing community resilience and supporting socio-economic recovery.

Community Leaders Pledge Support

The District Head of Danmusa, Ahmadu Abubakar, described the intervention as timely and beneficial, while the Chairman of Danmusa LGA, Ibrahim Na-Mama, represented by his deputy Musa Muhammad, assured that the local council would safeguard the facility.

Stakeholders said the upgraded clinic and supporting infrastructure would strengthen veterinary services, improve animal health outcomes and contribute to sustainable livelihoods in the area.