By Mathew Brangyet
Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani via the Committee on Food and Nutrition (SCFN) has urged all the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to consolidate recent gains in the fight against malnutrition.
Speaking during a three-day coordination meeting in Zaria, organized by the Planning and Budget Commission (PBC) with support from UNICEF, SCFN Chairman Bashir Muhammad emphasized the need for sustained efforts.
The meeting reviewed 2024 nutrition activities and developed the 2025 Annual Operational Plan (AOP) for Local Government Committees on Food and Nutrition.
Bashir Muhammad, who also serves as the Permanent Secretary of the PBC, highlighted that Kaduna recently received an award for its remarkable progress in addressing malnutrition. He described nutrition as critical to human capital development and commended Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to the cause.
He credited Nutrition Focal Persons (NFPs) and development partners for their grassroots contributions, noting their role in reducing key malnutrition indicators like stunting and wasting.
The SCFN, he said, has been coordinating efforts to ensure measurable improvements in nutrition across the state.
A recent retreat for newly sworn-in Local Government Chairmen, facilitated by Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, aimed to secure their active involvement in tackling health and nutrition challenges.
Hajiya Aisha Mohammad, Director of Development Aid Coordination at the PBC, underscored the importance of the workshop. It aimed to review achievements, identify barriers to optimal nutrition practices, and build the capacity of NFPs to implement nutrition programs effectively.
She urged NFPs to remain dedicated to sustaining the state’s strides against malnutrition.
UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, Chinwe Ezeife, praised the initiative as a dual-purpose activity.
“This is an opportunity to review 2024 progress and develop an operational plan for 2025, focusing on priority activities to improve health outcomes, especially for vulnerable groups,” she said.
Dr. Zainab Kwar, Project Manager for the World Bank-supported Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) project, highlighted the strategic nature of the planning exercise.
She stressed the importance of resource optimization and targeted interventions to achieve meaningful results.
The meeting also showcased Kaduna State’s resolve to combat malnutrition through strategic planning and grassroots action, reinforcing its position as a leader in nutrition advocacy.
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