The call for a collaborative approach to combat malnutrition by the Presidency

Highlighting the significance of improved nutrition for national development and economic growth, the Presidency urged a multi-stakeholder approach in the fight against malnutrition in Nigeria.

Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hadejia, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts during a press conference preceding a high-level dialogue with faith leaders on nutrition. The event is set to take place on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

In his address, Hadejia stressed the necessity of involving various entities such as government, religious institutions, traditional authorities, and development partners in addressing nutrition challenges. He underlined that neglecting nutrition issues could directly impact human capital development, economic productivity, and the country’s overall trajectory.

Commending the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria Project, funded by the World Bank, for its innovative strategies, Hadejia lauded the project’s efforts in leveraging the influence of faith leaders to promote positive behavioral changes and sustainable nutrition practices.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to advancing nutrition initiatives in the nation was highlighted by Hadejia, who expressed that the upcoming event would align efforts with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The dialogue between the National Council on Nutrition and faith leaders aims to facilitate strategic discussions and commitments towards sustainable nutrition investments for the nation’s benefit, as explained by Hadejia.

Dr. Ojuolape Solanke, National Project Manager of ANRiN Project, acknowledged the administration’s prioritization of malnutrition, citing its profound impact on growth, development, and economic prosperity. Solanke stressed the critical importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life for their development.

Furthermore, Dr. Zainab Muhammad-Idris, Kaduna Programme Manager for ANRiN, underscored the project’s focus on local community implementation to facilitate access to nutrition services, highlighting the crucial role of faith leaders in disseminating the right messages.

Emphasizing the role of faith leaders in addressing malnutrition, Babafunke Fagbemi, Executive Director of the Center for Communication and Social Impact, noted the impact of religious, gender, and social norms on nutrition practices, commending efforts to reach congregations with messages promoting improved nutrition.

Organized by the Office of the Vice President in collaboration with the National Council on Nutrition and the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria Project, the summit aims to define pathways for enhancing Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition practices in Nigeria.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chair of the National Council on Nutrition, is set to deliver the Keynote Speech at the high-level dialogue themed ‘Faith Leaders as Catalysts for Enhanced Human Capital Through Nutrition.’