• Flags off 2nd phase program against malnutrition
By Victoria Okpanachi
The Kogi State Government has reiterated its commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable groups across the state.
This assurance was reinforced during the commencement of the second phase implementation program for Malnourished Child and Special People Group, held at the Daratola Supportive Foundation for the Vulnerable recently in Lokoja.
Related News
Speaking at the event, the General Manager of the Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency (KGCSDA), Malam Momoh Dauda, which is responsible for facilitating the initiative, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to addressing the needs of vulnerable communities.
Mal. Momoh Dauda, expressed profound gratitude to the Governor for his unwavering support to the cause ensuring that the issue of malnutrition in vulnerable persons in the state is addressed.
He emphasised that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, had not only approved the agency’s continued interventions but had also provided essential backing to ensure the successful implementation of various support initiatives.
The General Manager further called on public-spirited individuals and corporate organisations to actively contribute to the fight against malnutrition. He stressed that malnutrition is a critical issue that requires serious attention and a collective approach to address it effectively.
The Chairperson of the Malnourished Child and Special People Group Project Management Committee, Ms. Grace Jegede, also commended the Governor for creating a platform that enables the agency to support vulnerable children and adults. She urged stakeholders to sustain their support for the initiative, highlighting the need for greater efforts to meet the growing nutritional needs of malnourished individuals in the state.
According to her, a recent nutrition and health survey shows that the state recorded a 22.7% rate of malnutrition among children. Over 40% of children under the age of five in Nigeria suffer from chronic malnutrition. This is a staggering number that demands our attention and collective action, she added.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Alapo Fumilola, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Health, underscored the importance of providing special care and attention to vulnerable persons, particularly children.
She stressed that children require love, protection, and adequate nutrition to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development.
Mrs. Fumilola encouraged parents and caregivers to prioritise the nutritional needs of their children and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to combat malnutrition in the state. She also highlighted the significance of community-driven initiatives in tackling this pressing challenge and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
In a goodwill message, the Chairperson of the Kogi State NGO Network (KONGONET), Ambassador Idris Ozovehe, represented by Mrs. Bola Ibiteye, commended the state government for funding the nutrition support initiative. while pledging KONGONET’s continued support in ensuring that vulnerable groups receive adequate nutrition and care.
The Executive Director of Dual Care and HIV Prevention Initiative, Pastor Rosline Alabi, whose NGO supervises the project, acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Governor and the agency. She noted that their support had been instrumental in ensuring the effective and transparent utilisation of funds.
The second phase of the nutrition project featured the distribution of nutritional supplements to malnourished children and pregnant women, reinforcing the government’s dedication to improving child and maternal health in the state.
The nutritional component of KGCSDA’s intervention is being funded under the Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus Programme (NG-CARES).
With sustained intervention and collaboration between government, NGOs, and corporate entities, the plight of malnourished children and special groups in the state is expected to improve significantly.
Highlight of the event was presentation of an Award of Credence to the Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency by the malnourished child and special people group which was received by Mal. Momoh Dauda and a tour round the facilities of Daratola supportive foundation for the vulnerable.
