The Edo State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has announced plans to launch the Edo State Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (2025–2029).

A five-year roadmap aimed at improving food and nutrition outcomes across all 18 Local Government Areas.

Speaking in Benin City during the third-quarter review and appraisal meeting of the State Committee on Food and Nutrition (SCFN), the Functioning Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Chairman of the Committee, Mr Kingsley Ogbodu, said the plan will coordinate nutrition-sensitive interventions by all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

He explained that this will focus on promoting better nutrition among children and vulnerable groups, ensuring that food security remains central to Edo’s development priorities.

Ogbodu praised Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration for making food safety and nutrition a key pillar under the Security, Health, Infrastructure, Nutrition, Education (SHINE) Agenda, describing it as a strategic move towards sustainable human capital development.

During the meeting, the Committee also reviewed the state’s “Back-to-Farm” initiative, which encourages agricultural re-engagement, promotes cluster farming, and strengthens cooperative production to enhance food sufficiency and value-chain growth.

Reports from the Edo State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) indicated that recent training sessions on sustainable and nutrition-sensitive farming practices have significantly improved farmers’ productivity and livelihoods in rural communities.

A representative of the Edo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (STRUWASSA), Engr. Ufumwen Asemota noted that the government has intensified efforts to expand access to potable water, stressing its importance in maintaining food safety, improving community health, and supporting overall nutrition outcomes.

Source: Nigeria Observer 

Image Credit: The Sun