The Directorate of Local Government Affairs, in partnership with the State Committee on Food and Nutrition (SCFN) has conducted an advocacy visit to the Ughelli South Local Government to underscore the significance of reaching out to local communities to key into the programme.
The delegation, led by Assistant Director of the Directorate, Mrs. Deborah Okubio, met with the Council Chairman, Dr. Lucky Avweromre, at the Exco Chamber in Otu-Jeremi. Mrs. Okubio underscored the significance of the SCFN’s outreach to local governments, starting with Ughelli South. She detailed the role and objectives of the Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition (LGCFN), emphasizing its purpose in combating malnutrition and promoting community health. The visit aimed to reactivate the LGCFN and establish a dedicated budget for its operations. “The state committee was established under the federal government’s directive and with support from UNICEF. To effectively address malnutrition, local committees were formed in all 25 local government areas to promote optimal nutrition within communities,” Mrs. Okubio explained. She highlighted the dire consequences of malnutrition, such as impaired child development and reduced productivity, and called for local support to revitalize the dormant committees.
Acting State Nutrition Officer, Ms. Ejovi Ebikaboere, reported on recent cases of malnutrition in Udu and Ughelli North, noting improvements due to state intervention. She appealed for the local government’s assistance in equipping the LGCFN for effective operations.
The SCFN members, including Mr. Ochelli Emeke of the Ministry of Agriculture and Dr. Michael Emeshili from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, proposed solutions like backyard farming to enhance local nutrition. Dr.Emeshili also recommended better monitoring of school attendance to identify malnourished children.
In response, the Council Vice Chairman, Hon. Happy Mukoro expressed gratitude for the visit and pledged full support from the council.
“We appreciate your efforts and assure you of our commitment to support LGCFN activities. We aim to make Ughelli South a model for food and nutrition initiatives.”
The SCFN’s advocacy tour will continue to eight other local government areas from August 12 to August 14, including Patani, Isoko South, Udu, Uvwie, Warri South, Ukwuani, Ika North East, and Aniocha South.
