Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has declared open the two days Abia State Advocacy and Training workshop on Nutrition 774 initiative, a government led and community-driven initiative designed to deliver coordinated and sustainable nutrition interventions at all levels.
Governor Otti while declaring open the advocacy workshop at government House Umuahia, on the theme; “Strengthening Capacity To Drive Action For Nutrition Delivery,” described the ongoing crisis of malnutrition in Nigeria as a “silent emergency” that calls for urgent and holistic measures to tackle the scourge threatening the future of the nations children and youth.
The Governor who titled his address “Responding to a Silent Emergency”, identified the health and well-being of the people as the surest guarantee of the stability and future of any society, stressing that the programme goes beyond food and nourishment.
The Governor while emphasizing the need to support Agriculture as a key strategy to reduce food prices and combat hunger, noted that insecurity, poor infrastructure, and underinvestment are major obstacles to achieving food security and sustainable agricultural development.
Governor Otti applauded the Federal Government for developing a “holistic framework” to address malnutrition, noting that the Nutrition -774 Initiative incorporates a multi-tiered governance structure and a robust support system that targets both urban and rural populations.
He noted that Nigeria is too blessed to be battling with the crisis of malnutrition and urged stakeholders to invest in Agro-based solutions and rethink policy tools to make farming attractive and sustainable.
The Governor while acknowledging the role of the National Council on Nutrition (NCN), chaired by the Vice President ,Senator Kashim Shettima, for selecting Abia as the pilot State for the initiative, commended the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health and focal person for Nutrition -774 Initiative, Mrs. Uju Anwuka for her commitment and focus.
He pledged the full support of the State Government towards the implementation of the N-774 programme in all local government areas, adding that his administration will do everything required to holistically address the terrible scourge afflicting millions of the people.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Kingsley Anosike, explained that the workshop would focus on identifying the critical factors needed to achieve the initiative’s objectives and urged all participants to engage fully to ensure its success.
In her speech, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health and Focal Person for the Nutrition- 774 initiative, Mrs. Uju Anwukah, said that the workshop was designed to formally introduce the programme to key stakeholders in the State and described malnutrition as a national emergency that requires urgent and coordinated efforts, strong political will at all levels of government, and a multisectoral approach.
She emphasised that the fight against malnutrition cannot be waged from Abuja alone, but must involve Traditional Rulers, Local Government Chairmen, and grassroot stakeholders across all 774 local government areas in the country.
Mrs. Anwukah also called for the integration of nutrition into the State’s Agriculture, Education, and Health sectors, stressing the need for Abia to take full ownership of the initiative through strong institutional commitment and collaboration.
The Secretary to the State government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Commissioners, various Abia stakeholders including Local government Mayors, the traditional institution among others were part of the workshop.
