Forum seeks collaboration to combat malnutrition, food insecurity

The Forum of Chairpersons of Committees on Nutrition and Food Security in Nigeria has expressed its readiness to join hands with stakeholders to find solutions to malnutrition and food insecurity in the country.

The group, in a statement on Wednesday, said it would work towards fostering a unified legislative approach to nutrition and food security challenges through effective laws, policies and programs that will be enacted and implemented at both national and state levels.

The group made the commitment at the official inauguration of the National Legislative Network on Nutrition and Food Security and the inauguration of its leadership in Abuja recently, where Tolulope Ige emerged as the National Coordinator/Chairman of the forum.

The forum stressed the need to establish with stakeholders, policymakers, and representatives from various sectors to combat malnutrition and food insecurity in the country.

In his acceptance speech, the new chairman of the forum and lawmaker in Ekiti State, Ige, stressed the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders, pledging to work diligently to fulfil the objectives of the forum and the National Legislative Network.

The lawmaker noted that malnutrition and food insecurity have remained a constant threat to socio-economic development in Nigeria, and becoming an existential threat.

He said, “The National Legislative Network on Nutrition and Food Security aims to foster a unified legislative approach to nutrition and food security challenges, ensuring that effective laws, policies and programs are enacted and implemented at both national and state levels.

“The network will collaborate with government agencies, non-governmental organisations, international bodies, and other relevant stakeholders to leverage resources and expertise”

Expressing appreciation to the members for the confidence reposed in him, Ige promised to join hands with them to stamp out malnutrition and ensure food security in the country.

According to the statement, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, underscored the critical role of legislative bodies in formulating laws that promote nutritional well-being and food security.

He commended the formation of the network and the forum’s leadership, urging them to work tirelessly towards achieving zero hunger by 2030.

Other executive members of the forum include Maina Garbu (North-East) – Vice Chairman, Mr Jude Umennajiego (South-East) – Vice Chairman, Ahmed Ibrahim (North-West) – Vice Chairman, Adesanya Oluseun (South-West) – Vice Chairman, Umukoro Perkins (South-South) – Vice Chairman and Naalong Daniel (North-Central) – Vice Chairman.

Others are Dr Sulaiman Fana, Secretary, Sale Jibir, Treasurer, Moses Essien, Public Relations Officer, and Onyebuchi Ogbadu, Financial Secretary.