…Reiterates commitment to food security, nutrition
BY DANIEL-NWOSU NOHUNWAN LUCY
The Edo State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is set to launch the Edo State Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (2025–2029) to drive coordinated interventions in food and nutrition across the 18 Local Government Areas.
The Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Chairman, State Committee on Food and Nutrition (SCFN), Mr. Kingsley Ogbodu, announced this during the third-quarter review and appraisal meeting of the Committee in Benin City.
He said the plan is designed to guide the implementation of nutrition-sensitive programmes by all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), focusing on improving food and nutrition outcomes, particularly among children and vulnerable groups.
Ogbodu commended the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo for prioritizing food safety and nutrition through the SHINE Agenda, describing it as a key pillar of the government’s development blueprint.
The meeting also reviewed the “Back-to-Farm” initiative aimed at encouraging agricultural re-engagement, promoting cluster farming, and strengthening cooperative production for food sufficiency and value-chain growth.
Reports from the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) showed that training sessions for farmers on sustainable and nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices have improved productivity and livelihoods in rural communities.
Representative of the Edo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (STRUWASSA), Engr. Ufumwen Asemota, said that the government had intensified efforts to expand access to potable water, stressing its importance to food safety and community health.
Also speaking, Mr. Osayande Isaac from the Ministry of Science and Technology commended the reintroduction of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, saying it would enhance food hygiene in markets and processing centres.
The committee, however, raised concerns about the increasing use of chemicals for artificial fruit ripening and urged stronger public sensitization to mitigate health risks.
The Edo State Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (2025–2029), developed through a participatory process involving MDAs, civil society and development partners, will be officially launched in October 2025.
