From HASSAN JIRGI Damaturu
Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni yesterday inaugurated the State Council on Nutrition 774 Initiative.
The council was inaugurated when he received the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Mrs Uju Rochas-Anwukah, who was in the state for advocacy on Nutrition 774 Initiative.
He added that the administration in Yobe State launched a massive agricultural empowerment programme to boost food security, nutrition and economic growth.
According to him, this encouraged mass involvement of our people in agricultural production, paving the way for a smooth and easy collaboration, and integration into the Nutrition 774 programme,” he said.
He noted that Yobe State government has integrated nutrition-sensitive interventions into health, education and social protection programmes, as well as the skills acquisition programme of the state Ministry of Women Affairs, being part of the state recovery programme to build a healthy population.
“Nutrition 774 Initiative reflects a bold and transformative vision that every local government area becomes a hub for community driven nutrition action. It underscores the importance of strong coordination, multi-sectoral collaboration and the active participation of our people at the grassroots.
“We have through strong partnerships with development partners such as UNICEF, UNFPA, World Food Programme, World Bank, UNDP and other partners expanded community-based nutrition services, strengthened maternal and child health systems and improved access to life-saving interventions for vulnerable groups.
According to him, “we are also investing in data systems and local capacity to enhance planning, accountability and evidence-based decision-making in nutrition programming.
“The visit presents us with a valuable opportunity to deepen collaboration between the federal and state governments. We are eager to identify priority areas where federal technical and financial support can complement our ongoing efforts to catalyze impactful delivery at the grassroots,” the governor noted.
He stressed the need for a holistic approach involving traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, private sector and local communities to take ownership of the initiative and work together to ensure that no child in Yobe State suffers the lifelong consequences of malnutrition.
“Our collective goal is to build a generation that is healthy, strong and productive, capable of contributing meaningfully to the future and to build a future where every Yobe child can grow, learn and thrive”.
In her response, Rochas-Anwukah commended Buni for his achievements in healthcare delivery and agriculture, saying they are the necessary sectors for nutritional development.
“You have been a silent achiever, especially in agriculture and the health sector, making us proud, and we hope these achievements would reflect in Nutrition 774 Initiative”.
She expressed optimism that the programme would be a success story in Yobe State.
