In alignment with the Federal Government’s Nutrition – 774 (N-774) initiative, the Bayelsa State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), yesterday officially launched the Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition (LGCFN).

This project, overseen by the office of the Vice President of Nigeria, aims to address societal vulnerabilities, particularly among pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children.

During the inauguration of the local government chapter, Chief Thomson Amuli, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, highlighted the concerning rates of stunting and wasting revealed in a recent national health survey.

He emphasized the importance of enhancing nutrition among Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable populations.

Chief Amuli stressed the significance of integrating food and nutrition initiatives into local government budgets, as recognized by the federal government’s allocation of resources to this cause.

He said, “Food and nutrition has gained sufficient traction and that is why the federal government has given it a line item in the budget. Local government are expected to properly itemize activities relating to food and nutrition in their respective budgets going forward.

He underscored that food and nutrition are integral to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The state government is dedicated to combatting malnutrition through substantial investments in health, agriculture, education, and other sectors to empower women and households.

Chief Amuli commended the collaborative efforts of development partners like UNICEF and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in addressing vulnerabilities, particularly among women and children.

He urged committee members from the eight local government areas to collaborate with the State Council on Food and Nutrition and the State Committee on Food and Nutrition to ensure the effective distribution of nutrition commodities to rural communities in need.

In her remarks, Celine Lafoucre, Chief of the UNICEF Lagos Field Office, expressed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting genuine initiatives aimed at combating malnutrition in Bayelsa State and across Nigeria.

She lauded the Bayelsa State Government for its political backing and dedication to ensuring that children receive proper nutrition during their crucial first thousand days for optimal growth and development.

The LGCFN’s responsibilities include providing technical and professional support for food and nutrition programs, developing annual work plans aligned with local government development strategies, and overseeing the effective implementation of relevant programs by sector representatives on the committee.