Mercy Corps, a non-governmental organization (NGO), on Wednesday handed over a newly constructed veterinary clinic and a rehabilitated structure in Danmusa Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State to the state government.
The project, which also included an upgraded 20,000-litre capacity solar-powered borehole, was implemented under the European Union-funded Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR) project.
The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
Speaking at the handover ceremony, 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.
While praising the state government for restoring peace and stability, he noted that the project would significantly improve livestock healthcare services and the welfare of farmers who rely on animal health services for their livelihoods.
Bakori highlighted that improved security in the state had enabled development partners to implement meaningful interventions in previously affected communities.
He added, “Recently, Gov. Dikko Radda was 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 completion of the project in Danmusa.
He noted that although Mercy Corps began operations in the state in 2023, initial security challenges had prevented access to some areas, including Danmusa.
Ikita explained that the project would improve access to essential services, strengthen livelihoods, and contribute to sustaining peace in the community.
“The project involves the upgrade of a veterinary clinic from a two-room structure into a fully functional six-office facility,” he said. “This was undertaken to strengthen 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,” Ikita added.
The District Head of Danmusa, Ahmadu Abubakar, expressed appreciation to Mercy Corps and its partners for the intervention, describing the projects as timely and highly beneficial to the community.
Earlier, the Chairman of Danmusa LGA, Ibrahim Na-Mama—represented by his Deputy, Musa Muhammad—thanked the organization and assured that the council would support efforts to safeguard and sustain the facilities.
The handover underscores ongoing efforts by development partners and the Katsina State Government to rebuild critical infrastructure, improve rural livelihoods, and consolidate peace dividends in areas previously affected by insecurity.
