Sokoto state governor, Ahmad Aliyu on Tuesday, launched a comprehensive food and nutrition policy to combat hunger, malnutrition and enhance food security in the state.
In a speech at the launch, Aliyu said, “The new policy is expected to serve as a guiding framework for future interventions aimed at ending hunger and malnutrition in Sokoto State.”
He emphasised his administration’s commitment to creating a healthier, more nourished society.
He described the policy as a strategic roadmap, which aimed to align with national priorities and global best practices, targeting improved health outcomes for children, women, and vulnerable populations.
“It is a roadmap that aligns with national goals and global best practices, ensuring our children grow healthy, our women are empowered nutritionally, and our communities thrive,” the governor said.
According to him, the health of the population is central to the state’s development agenda.
“We recognise that a healthy population is the bedrock of sustainable development, and we are determined to build a future where every citizen, regardless of status or location, has access to quality nutrition and healthcare services.
”Since taking oath of office, my administration has rolled out several initiatives aimed at improving living standards, particularly for the most vulnerable groups.
He listed the initiatives to include intensified campaigns for routine immunisation against poliomyelitis and other preventable childhood diseases.
Aliyu further announced his administration’s approval of all UNICEF-related requests for the warehouse project, including the release of N500 million in counterpart funding, and the provision of essential infrastructure, such as water, electricity, and security.
He acknowledged the role of UNICEF in supporting the state’s nutrition drive, particularly for funding the construction of a nutritional warehouse and assisting in the development of the new policy.
“I wish to sincerely commend UNICEF for its unwavering commitment and support toward improving the health and nutritional wellbeing of our people.
”The construction of this modern warehouse and the support for the development of our state’s food and nutrition policy are indeed commendable milestones,” he said.
The District Head of Gagi, Sani Umar-Jabbi, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, commended the government’s efforts and affirmed the traditional rulers’ support toward achieving maximum success in all the programmes.
The UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Ms. Cristian Munduate, represented by UNICEF Chief Field Officer, Dr Micheal Juma, praised the initiative as a vital step toward inclusive development and sustainable progress.
Munduate said that UNICEF would continue to strengthen its intervention programmes and promised increased commitment toward enhancing peoples wellbeing.
NAN
