Cross River Declares State of Emergency on Malnutrition, Strengthens Food and Nutrition Strategy

In a bold step towards improving public health and eradicating malnutrition, the Cross River State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has declared a state of emergency on malnutrition. This initiative aligns with the state’s vision to make Cross Riverians the healthiest people in Nigeria by 2027.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition in Ikot Nakanda, Akpabuyo Local Government Area, the governor—represented by the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the State Planning Commission, Dr. Bong Duke—emphasized the urgency of tackling malnutrition and hunger. He urged stakeholders in the food and nutrition value chain to take swift and coordinated action, assigning the Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition the responsibility of setting up Ward Committees led by local councillors.

Governor Otu highlighted Akpabuyo’s agricultural and aquatic potential as critical to the state’s food security strategy, noting that the structured approach will ensure that no child goes to bed hungry. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating malnutrition, hunger, and poverty, declaring the committee’s mandate as a duty to both God and the children of Cross River State.

Hon. Chris Effiom, Vice Chairman of Akpabuyo Local Government and the newly inaugurated chairman of the Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition, expressed gratitude to the governor for recognizing the issue and prioritizing an intervention. He pledged to work diligently, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration with the State Committee on Food and Nutrition to ensure success.

The event featured insightful presentations, including a PowerPoint session by the State Nutrition Officer, Mrs. Nkem Eyong Ubana, and a discussion on budget instruments as a financial lifeline for the committee by Mrs. Ewo Edet of the Ministry of Local Government Affairs. The State Policy on Food and Nutrition and the State Strategic Development Plan were also formally presented to the committee.

Dignitaries at the event included Mr. Kingsley Ndem Eyibio, Permanent Secretary of the State Planning Commission and Chairman of the State Committee on Food and Nutrition, alongside members of the State Technical Committee on Food and Nutrition and local government officials.

This decisive action by the Cross River State Government underscores its commitment to public health, food security, and sustainable development, ensuring that malnutrition is effectively tackled at the grassroots level.