The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has advocated for the adoption of the National Food and Nutrition Policy to ensure the healthy developmental growth of children.
Mrs. Oluyemi Kalesanwo, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, made this plea on Wednesday in Lagos during a visit by the Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN).
The National Food and Nutrition Policy is a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing food and nutrition insecurity issues in Nigeria. It encompasses various levels, from individual and household to community and national, with the primary objective of enhancing the nutritional well-being of all Nigerians, particularly vulnerable groups like children, women, and the elderly.
Kalesanwo expressed her concern about the lack of officially approved nutritious food for children and encouraged women to recognize the significance of healthy eating in enhancing children’s immune systems.
“The implementation of the Nutritional Policy at the national level will play a crucial role in eliminating food deficiencies among children and families,” she stressed.
“The Ministry’s commitment to empowering women aligns with the objective of creating productive households, spanning all segments of society. Given the ministry’s focus on food nutrition, we regularly engage with women to equip them with the knowledge needed to nurture their families with proper diets,” Kalesanwo explained.
Previously, Mr. Sam Akinyode, the State Coordinator of CS-SUNN, highlighted that the ministry achieved a 100 percent rating in the nutrition assessment report for the second quarter of 2023.
Akinyode lauded the ministry for its endeavors in promoting nutritional value within the state and assured continued collaboration to advance optimal nutrition throughout the region.
