Dutse, March 13, 2026 (NAN) The Emir of Hadejia, of Dr Adamu Abubakar-Maje, has called on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to strengthen efforts at curbing the diversion and misuse of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) in the state.
The traditional ruler made the call on Thursday when the State Director of NOA. Mr Ahmad Tijjani led a team comprising of UNICEF and Jigawa State Primary Health Care Development (JSPHDA) on advocacy visit to his palace in Hadejia.
Maje-Abubakar, represented by the Galadima of Hadejia, Alhaji Usman Abdul’aziz also called on the agency to intensify public enlightenment to discourage people from selling the RUTF meant for malnourished children.
He also urged NOA to work closely with traditional institution’s to ensure that the RUTF is accessed through certified health professionals.
The emir reaffirmed the emirate council’s commitment to support initiatives that promote the health and wellbeing of the people.
Earlier, the NOA director said the visit was part of a campaign against diversion and selling of the RUTF by some people in the state.
He explained that the team was at the emir’s palace to seek the support of the traditional leaders in mobilizing district heads and other community leaders to educate their subjects on the health risks associated with the misuse of the RUTF.
The representative of JSPHCD, Alhaji Magaji Uba, emphasized the commodity is being provided free of charge by at health facilities and is strictly meant for malnourished children who meet the required medical conditions.
Uba warned that using the therapeutic supplements without proper medical prescription could lead to serious health complications.
He also said parents have a crucial role to play in discouraging the growing practice, urging them and other community stakeholders to support health authorities in safeguarding public Health.(NAN)
