Vice President (VP) Kashim Shettima has established the National Council on Nutrition to address the country’s nutritional issues.
Shettima encouraged the council on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to prioritize innovation and research in its efforts to dramatically improve the nation’s nutritional environment.
“I wish to appeal to all members to prioritise innovation and research in the field of nutrition. We must embrace technology, leverage digital solutions, and invest in research and development to discover sustainable and scalable solutions for our nutrition challenges,” the Vice President was quoted in a statement by his media aide, Olusola Abiola.
“This aligns with our pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage. By harnessing the power of innovation and making prudent investments, we can fundamentally transform the nutritional landscape in Nigeria, creating lasting and meaningful change.”
Despite challenges to achieving set targets and goals, the Vice President, who also serves as Chairman of the Council, stated that “we must collaborate to enhance nutrition governance, ensure the widespread availability of nutritious food, champion optimal infant and young child nutrition, and bolster nutrition education and awareness campaigns.”
“While funding is undeniably crucial, we must also prioritise streamlining processes, implementing practical strategies, and fostering genuine collaboration to overcome the hurdles before us.”
“A healthy nation isn’t just a happier one; it’s also safer. This underscores the necessity of our gathering here today. This occasion is not only to emphasize that the quality of what we consume is just as important as the quantity but also to renew our commitment to understanding the connection between food and human security,” Sen. Shettima added.
The Vice President acknowledged the business sector and the United Nations system’s support.
