By Awwal Umar Kontagora Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, has urged the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Health, alongs...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, has urged the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Health, alongside state governments, to significantly boost investment in stable crops, fingerlings, and animal husbandry to combat poverty and malnutrition across Nigeria.
Governor Umaru Bago made these remarks while participating as a panelist at a "Dialogue" aimed at addressing the surge in malnutrition in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership in Abuja.
He emphasized that agriculture should not be confined to cropping alone but should encompass the entire value chain to effectively tackle poverty and malnutrition, particularly in the Northern Region.
Highlighting Niger State's efforts, he mentioned ongoing data generation through Primary Health Care centers to confront malnutrition challenges. Additionally, Governor Bago noted his administration's strides in diversifying the state economy through mechanized agricultural production to support both local and national food demands.
He also highlighted strategic partnerships with investors for the production of nutritious foods with substantial value chains. Furthermore, Governor Bago reminded the federal government of the state's readiness to contribute to the nation's strategic crop reserves, citing the clearance of one million hectares of land for agricultural purposes.
Addressing the event, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, also the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, underscored the federal government's initiatives to expand food production aimed at addressing malnutrition and related issues. He revealed plans to distribute 1.3 million doses of multiple micronutrient supplements to aid pregnant women and announced a $30 million UNICEF Children's Nutrition Fund for the purchase of therapeutic foods to benefit 1,200 primary healthcare centers nationwide.
Meanwhile, Governors from Zamfara and Katsina States, along with the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, expressed concerns over how insecurity has adversely impacted food production in their respective states. They, however, expressed optimism that newly introduced policies would help alleviate malnutrition.
Fatima Sugra Mahmud, representing the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted environmental challenges contributing to the rise in malnutrition and outlined collaborative efforts with state governments, including the provision of improved seedlings to farmers.
Chief Osita Chidoka, Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, described the statistics of malnutrition in the country as alarming and emphasized the event's role in finding sustainable solutions. He expressed confidence in achieving positive outcomes based on the commitments made by attending governors.
The event culminated in the presentation of an honorary award to Governor Umaru Bago and other distinguished panelists.
No comments