Food Security: First Lady endorses nutrition policy in Lagos

*It is clear that any nation under the grip of malnutrition would find it difficult to break out of poverty and sustained economic development, says Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of Lagos State Governor

*UNICEF report indicates that Nigeria has the second highest burden of stunted children globally, with a national prevalence of 32 percent for under five-year-old children

Emmanuel Akosile | ConsumerConnect

In advocating a comprehensive framework that addresses the challenges of malnutrition among Nigerian consumers, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has endorsed the state’s Policy on Food and Nutrition, and the Multi-sectoral plan of Action on Nutrition

Represented by Dr. Cecilia Mabogunje, Medical Director, Massey Children Hospital, Lagos, Dr. (Mrs.) Sanwo Olu stated this April 12 when she spoke at a dialogue organised by the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition (CS-SUNN) and Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget Committee on Food and Nutrition, agency report said.

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Regarding her endorsement of the policy on food and malnutrition on the occasion, with the theme, “Exploring Innovative Nutrition Policy Alliances for a Healthier Lagos”, the wide of the Lagos State Governor submitted that the two documents were currently awaiting approval of the State Executive Council.

“I totally align with the action plan in the documents as it aptly creates comprehensive framework that addresses the challenges of malnutrition in the state.

“The policy envisions a state where the citizens are adequately food and nutrition secured with high quality of life and socioeconomic development, contributing to human capital development objectives of the state via its development plan by 2025.”

According the Lagos State First Lady, a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report indicated that Nigeria has the second highest burden of stunted children globally, with a national prevalence of 32 percent for under five-year-old children.

Dr. Sanwo Olu lamented that estimated two million children in Nigeria were suffering from acute malnutrition.

Only two of the 10 children suffering from malnutrition are currently reached with treatment in the country, she stated.

The Governor’s wife further said that seven percent of women of child bearing age were also suffering from acute malnutrition.

She further emphasised that “it is clear that any nation under the grip of malnutrition would find it difficult to break out of poverty and sustained economic development.

“This is why the goal of the Lagos State Food and Nutrition plan seeks to obtain optimal nutrition status for all residents with particular emphasis on vulnerable groups such as children, adolescents, women, elderly and groups with nutrition need is a step in the right direction.”

According to her, the success of the school feeding programme in Lagos State “gladdens my heart that the state is improving the nutritional status of pupils to enhance mental capacity and school attendance.

To boost food security, the state must ensure effective storage technology and facilities, she noted.

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