By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
Bauchi state government has reiterated its resolve to address gaps in the nutritional status of the citizens and also enhance uptake of indigenous nutrients.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State stated this on Wednesday 19th April, 2023, in a keynote address, at the formal launching and domestication of the State’s Food and Nutrition Policy held at Hazibal Hotel, Bauchi.
The Governor, who was represented by the State commissioner of Budget and Planning, Aminu Hammayo said that the State is on the verge of developing a ten year strategic plan and that nutrition and food security will be given the much needed attention in the propose plan.
He said the launching of the policy was timely and that the state will use it as a guideline in addressing gaps in all nutrition related activities.
The Governor then commended the state committee on food and nutrition (SCFN) for their perseverance and doggedness aimed at reversing the current trend on nutrition and food security.
While appreciating development partners in the state, the Governor acknowledged the huge support from USAID funded Advancing Nutrition, Nigeria that led to the development and domestication of the Food and Nutrition Policy.
Earlier in a welcome address, the chairman of the state committee on food and nutrition (SCFN), who also doubled as the permanent secretary in the ministry of budget and planning Sale Idris Giade revealed that the activities of the SCFN is being largely supported by USAID Advancing Nutrition, Nigeria.
He said that though the committee had been in existence before the advent of the USAID Advancing Nutrition intervention, but that the intervention was solely responsible for resuscitating the SCFN in the state by mainstreaming some of their activities into that of the committee.
Sale Giade then expressed the committee’s’ gratitude to the State commissioner of budget and planning for his keen interest in the activities of SCFN and the role he played in getting an accelerated executive approval for the domestication of the policy in the State.
While giving an overview of USAID Advancing Nutrition in Nigeria, the Technical Advisor of the project , Micheal Daniel said that the mission of the project is to improve the nutritional status and health of populations vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies around the globe.
Mr. Daniel said that USAID Advancing Nutrition strives to achieve that through technical assistance to governments and USAID implementing partners.
He that so far the project is being implemented in Sokoto, Kebbi and Bauchi States and Abuja.
There were presentations on nutrition status in Bauchi State and measures to be deployed to mitigate malnutrition amongst citizens.
There were also good will messages from relevant State MDAs and International Partners, all congratulating the State for the domestication of the policy.
Our correspondent reports that the launching and domestication event was organized by SCFN with support from USAID Advancing Nutrition, Nigeria.