Abia: Gov. Alex Otti of Abia State has described the growing crisis of malnutrition in Nigeria as a ‘silent emergency’ threatening the nation’s stability and future. He made the statement while declaring open a two-day workshop marking the commencement of the Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative in Abia State.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, was inaugurated in Abia to tackle malnutrition and food insecurity, particularly among children and vulnerable populations. The theme of the workshop is ‘Strengthening Capacity to Drive Action for Nutrition Delivery.’
Otti expressed deep concern over alarming malnutrition statistics, describing them as evidence of a long-ignored national threat. He emphasized that addressing malnutrition is crucial for the physical and cognitive development of the population. He commended the Federal Government and the N-774 team for their strategic coordination and community-focused approach to the issue.
Otti reiterated that the Abia State Government was fully committed to the success of the N-774 initiative, noting its alignment with the state’s broader agenda on health, education, and family welfare. He highlighted that since 2024, Abia has allocated 35 percent of its annual budget to health and education, prioritizing children’s development.
He also advocated for increased investment in agriculture, warning that the fight against malnutrition would fail without addressing insecurity, inadequate rural infrastructure, and poor farmer support. Otti stressed the importance of fixing the agricultural value chain to combat hunger effectively.
The governor pledged to collaborate with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) to drive the initiative across Abia communities and promised to establish necessary structures for full implementation. He urged stakeholders to commit to long-term solutions addressing root causes of malnutrition.
In her address, Dr. Uju Anwukah, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, described malnutrition as a national emergency, emphasizing the need for political will and coordinated strategies. She called for active support from traditional rulers, local leaders, and grassroots actors.
The Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Kingsley Anosike, described the newly formed Abia Nutrition Council as a ‘dream team’ expected to lead the initiative from policy to implementation. He affirmed the state’s readiness to tackle child malnutrition and improve national nutrition performance.
Eze Faraday Chinekwe, representing the Isiukwuato Traditional Rulers Advisory Council, emphasized the importance of nutrition in societal growth and promised to integrate workshop outcomes into community practices.
