In an effort to address the pervasive issue of malnutrition in Nigeria, the Presidency has emphasized the necessity of a multi-stakeholder approach, highlighting the critical role of improved nutrition in national development and economic growth.
Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Deputy Chief Staff to the President, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts during a press conference preceding a high-level dialogue with faith leaders on nutrition.
Scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April, 2024, at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, the event will feature Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chair of the National Council on Nutrition, as the Keynote Speaker.
Senator Hadejia stressed the need for cooperation among various sectors, including government, religious institutions, traditional authorities, and development partners, emphasizing that neglecting the issue of nutrition could have far-reaching implications for human capital development and economic productivity.
Commending the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) Project funded by the World Bank for its innovative approach in leveraging the influence of faith leaders, Senator Hadejia highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to promoting sustainable nutrition activities in the nation.
Grassroots Parrot gathered the upcoming high-level dialogue aims to align efforts with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration and will bring together state governors, ministers, development partners, and leaders from faith and traditional institutions.
On his part, Dr. Ojuolape Solanke, National Project Manager of ANRiN Project, underscored the administration’s prioritization of malnutrition, particularly in the early stages of child development, noting Vice President Shettima’s dedication to keeping the issue on the agenda.
Dr. Zainab Kwaru Muhammad-Idris, Kaduna Programme Manager for ANRiN, on the other hand emphasized the project’s grassroots implementation, highlighting the crucial role of faith leaders in promoting improved nutrition practices within local communities.
Babafunke Fagbemi, Executive Director of the Center for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), also emphasized the importance of faith leaders in institutionalizing efforts to address malnutrition, noting their ability to reach millions with messages promoting self-efficacy and improved nutrition practices.
Overall, the collaboration between government, faith leaders, and other stakeholders underscores a concerted effort to combat malnutrition and promote sustainable nutrition practices for the benefit of all Nigerians.