ASHENEWS reports that HarvestPlus, in collaboration with the Niger State Government, has hosted the 10th edition of the Nutritious Food Fair, a flagship initiative aimed at promoting sustainable nutrition solutions for Nigerians.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Minna, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago noted that his administration remains commitment to improving food security.
He announced plans to establish a 30,000-hectare biofortified food production center in Adunu community, Paikoro Local Government, as part of efforts to boost the production of nutritious foods.
The governor who emphasized the strides made by his government in enhancing food security, added that the initiative aligns with global efforts to address malnutrition and hunger.
In his part, the Country Manager of HarvestPlus Nigeria, Dr. Yusuf Fu’ad noted that the event serves as a vital platform for stakeholders in Nigeria’s nutrition crop value chain to address the alarming prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies.
Fu’ad cited World Health Organization (WHO) data that underscores the devastating effects of these deficiencies, which impair cognitive development, weaken immunity, and account for 50% of deaths among children under five.
He warned that with 72% of Nigerians unable to afford a basic nutritious diets, there is a need for urgent action to combat hidden hunger and its associated health risks.
Niger State Commissioner for Agriculture Musa Bawa stressed the importance of educating households on the essential micronutrients needed for healthy living.
“This knowledge empowers families, especially women, to sustain their livelihoods while improving the health of their children.”
A representative from the Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission, Aisha Muhammed, introduced the ‘Smartmother Initiative.’
This project, she said aims to equip women with skills to promote nutrition and food sufficiency within households, particularly for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children.
“The project is designed to enlighten women and equip them with the skills to improve the drive for food sufficiency and nutrition in homes.
“Statistics show that 2 billion people globally lack the required micronutrients needed for healthy growth.
“This initiative will address this gap in our society. The lack of these nutrients could lead to hidden hunger, which can cause serious harm to people’s health.
“In dire situations, it could lead to blindness and cognitive decline in children.”
She further explained that the initiative will focus on addressing and reforming eating habits particularly for nursing women, pregnant women and children.
This is in addition to promoting exclusive breastfeeding while also promoting nutrition for children and young adults.
Wife of the Niger State Governor, Fatima Bago called for increased collaboration among stakeholders to combat hunger and malnutrition.
She lauded Niger State’s efforts to lead the charge toward food sufficiency, especially as over 32 million Nigerians face hunger by 2025.
The two-day event, themed “Sustainable Food Systems: Our Collective Responsibility,” featured exhibitions, food demonstrations of biofortified crops, a cooking competition, and a quiz for secondary school students.
Vendors also showcased various nutritious products, emphasizing the importance of collective action for sustainable food systems.
