By Mohammed Dala Lawan
The Steering Committee of Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has commended the Yobe State Government for its efforts to strengthen nutrition financing and policies aimed at reducing malnutrition among children under five.
Team Leader of the Steering Committee, Adam Chindo Sodangi, made the commendation during a breakfast meeting supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), held in Damaturu.
Sodangi pointed out some of the government’s achievements, including an increase in budget allocation, operationalisation of the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), and adoption of family-friendly policies.
He explained that the CNF, managed by UNICEF, allows state governments to contribute funds, which are matched by UNICEF, to provide essential nutrition commodities, noting that Yobe State has released its CNF counterpart funding, which is expected to boost nutrition supplies.
Sodangi further urged the government to establish nutrition departments in line ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure proper coordination of nutrition activities.
He also advocated for six months of paid maternity leave for women in public service to promote exclusive breastfeeding and child growth.
The Programme Officer of CS-SUNN, Ambrose Evhoesor, noted that Yobe State still faces significant nutrition challenges, with stunting affecting 54.5% of children, wasting at 10.1%, and underweight at 38.8%.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Alhaji Abdu Shuaibu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting nutrition-related programmes, urging stakeholders to apply the knowledge gained and sensitise others to ensure the success of nutrition interventions across the state.
The meeting was attended by State Assembly members, permanent secretaries, nutrition desk officers, civil society organisations, and the media.
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