ASHENEWS reports that the federal government has urged religious and traditional leaders to champion proper nutrition practices in their spheres.
The government is also calling for the integration of nutrition education into places of worship and cultural gatherings.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications, Office of The Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha said that Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima made the call while speaking at a high-level dialogue on nutrition at the Presidential Villa Tuesday.
The one-day dialogue convened with the theme, “Faith Leaders as Catalysts for Enhanced Human Capital Through Nutrition,” was organized by the National Council on Nutrition and the World Bank-assisted Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria [ANRiN] Project.
Speaking on the role of the duo in enhancing nutrition, Shettima said that religious and traditional leaders are prime cultural influencers due to their ability to influence mutual understanding, peace, unity and social cohesion.
“Your influence is indispensable. We believe that, regardless of the quality of ideas we bring to the table, our efforts will fall short without your participation and endorsement.
“This is an avenue to reassure you that we are committed to more than just talk; we will take tangible action by reaching out to vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, including pregnant women, children, and the elderly,” the Vice President said.
On the part of the federal government, Shettima said that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration is committed to prioritizing nutrition as part of Nigeria’s food security drive.
He also announced plans by the federal government to adopt cost effective and sustainable nutrition services for the people.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated his commitment to prioritizing nutrition as an integral component of our quest for food sufficiency. This is our inspiration to implement quality, cost-effective nutrition services.
“From providing support to pregnant and lactating women to ensuring the well-being of adolescent girls and children under five years of age, President Tinubu’s vision has propelled us towards a future where every Nigerian has access to the nourishment they need to thrive,” he said.
Shettima lauded federal ministries and partners like the World Bank for supporting the nutrition drive in Nigeria, adding that “together, let us stand as beacons of hope, leading the charge towards a healthier and more prosperous tomorrow for all.”
In their separate remarks, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, described the role of the stakeholders as crucial in achieving the nutritional targets of the country.
This online platform reports that the event was attended by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, the 14th Emir of Kano and Chair of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, His Highness, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Others include the out-going World Bank Country Director, Mr Shubham Chaudhri; Managing Director of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, and the Chief Imam of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Prof. Mansur Yelwa, among others.
High point of the occasion was the launch of two manuals – the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) Sermon Guides and Faith Perspectives on Nutrition – by the Vice President.
