GAIN Commends  Kebbi  Govt For Prioritizing  Nutritional Needs Of Citizens 

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), has commended Kebbi state Government for prioritizing  the nutritional needs of residents and citizens of the state. 

 A statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com by Governor Nasiru Idris’ Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yahaya Sarki noted that Mr. Michael Ojo, who is the Country Director of GAIN, said this in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.

 Recall that the Pilot Production of Fortified Rice in Nigeria  was launched on   October 26. 

The pilot production was launched sequel to the fruitful collaboration between GAIN, the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) and the Federal Ministry of Health through the  Promoting Rice Fortification in Nigeria (PRiFN) as well as the Kebbi State Government .   The project is located in Kebbi state and the state  has been the  promoter of rice fortification in  the country.

‘PRiFN’s partnership with the Kebbi state Government, especially under His Excellency, Dr Nasir Idris’ leadership has been pivotal.

 I must add that this partnership started under  former Governor, Senator Atiku Bagudu’s leadership , he is now the  Hon. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning.

They have created an enabling space for the partners to work with them, providing clear strategic leadership. Their commitment to their  citizens’ nutritional needs is highly commendable’ he said.

Ojo also  added that the  collaboration with agencies like the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has been instrumental in the successes recorded by the project, resulting in the development of a National Code of Practice for Fortified Rice production. 

‘We are immensely grateful to our industry partners – Wacot, Bakaba, and Labana rice mills – for pioneering rice fortification in Nigeria, exemplifying the idea that customer’s well-being transcends mere profit for these exemplary businesses’  he lauded.

Ojo said that PRiFN had accomplished a lot already on its journey – building the capacities of stakeholders, advocating for better industry practices, and providing technical support for policy development.

 ‘If you have been eagerly anticipating the inclusion of fortified rice in your meals, rest assured it is coming soon.

Our novel approach has been to first create demand and acceptance for fortified rice by including it in social protection programs that serve millions of the most vulnerable population.

This is so beginning with fortified rice for school feeding and social protection programs in Kebbi state, and then to support the private sector in responding to this new market with increased supply.

We look forward to further collaborations to ensure that fortified rice is not just available, but also affordable and accessible to all’ he said. 

Ojo  also explained that the October 26 event marked a substantial stride with regard to the unity of effort to combat malnutrition in Nigeria, particularly the ‘hidden hunger’ of micro-nutrient deficiencies.

‘For years, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and WFP has been an unwavering ally to the Nigerian government in battling malnutrition in all its forms. 

For the benefit of those who don’t know who we are, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), is a Swiss-based foundation launched at the United Nations in 2002 to tackle the human suffering caused by malnutrition. 

GAIN’s Strategy aims to transform food systems to make healthier diets from sustainable food systems accessible to all people and especially those who are most vulnerable to shocks.

 By 2027, we aim to improve the access of 1.5 billion people (globally) to nutritionally enhanced staple foods, improve the access of 25 million people (globally) to healthier diets, and support positive food system transformation across the countries we work in. 

These are bold and complex aims, and the only way to achieve this is to work together with partners including governments, businesses, academia, civil society and communities, working at local, country and global levels’ he added.

In his remarks, Kebbi state governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu urged all the development partners to join the government in the fight against malnutrition and related public health challenges in the state. 

‘Our doors are open and we are willing and able to effectively collaborate with you in this regard.

Considering the consumption pattern of rice, rice fortification is an excellent addition to our current food and nutrition interventions and would help reach many people including those most vulnerable to malnutrition with essential vitamins and minerals for improved wellbeing.

For us, it was not a difficult decision to make, we already have the rice and making it more nutritious by restoring lost nutrients whilst still delivering other essential vitamins and minerals to millions at little or no cost should be the easiest decision for a government passionate about the wellbeing of her people’ he said.

The governor , who  was represented by his Deputy,  former Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, commended the GAIN and World Food Programme for the project, saying, ‘it has facilitated training for government officials, schools and rice millers/processors in the state, amongst others’- Team@orientactualmags.com
Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980. Thank you