By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly convened a stakeholders’ meeting in Uyo yesterday, taking a bold and deliberate step to enhance efforts in combating malnutrition in children and improving food security in the state.
This initiative comes in response to alarming statistics from the National Demographic and Health Survey, which reveal that 24.1% of children in Akwa Ibom are stunted, 11.8% are wasted, and 22.6% are underweight. These figures highlight the urgent need for effective intervention to address the risks associated with malnutrition.
Addressing the meeting, which brought together relevant ministries, local government chairmen, and legislative leaders from all 31 local government areas of the state, the House Committee Chairman on Nutrition and Food Security, Mr. Moses Essien, emphasized the importance of collaboration. He stated that the meeting was convened to gather input from stakeholders and discuss the steps taken by the committee to combat malnutrition and food insecurity in the state.
Essien explained that the initiative stemmed from the establishment of the National Legislative Network (NLN) on Nutrition and Food Security at the National Assembly in Abuja last year. He underscored the need for a multi-sectoral approach to tackle malnutrition and food insecurity, urging local government councils to complement the efforts of the House of Assembly by establishing their own nutrition and food security committees. These committees, Essien noted, would help bring the measures to the communities and secure necessary budgetary allocations.
“The establishment of these committees stresses that combating these issues requires both legislative action and executive efforts,” the lawmaker said. “Local government councils are encouraged to form their own nutrition and food security committees to further advance these goals.”
Essien, who represents Ibiono Ibom State constituency, also revealed plans for a capacity-building workshop to be organized in collaboration with development partners. The workshop will focus on equipping stakeholders with the necessary skills and resources to address nutrition and food security challenges effectively.
He emphasized that the initiative aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s “Arise Agenda,” which highlights the administration’s commitment to improving the health and nutrition of all citizens.
Key stakeholders at the meeting, including permanent secretaries from relevant ministries, representatives from the Association of Local Governments (ALGON), and local government legislative council leaders, unanimously agreed that forming the nutrition and food security committees is a vital step toward ensuring the health and well-being of Akwa Ibom’s children and communities. They pledged their support for the initiative.
