Stakeholders extol Soludo on food sufficiency, job security, improved livelihoods

Stakeholders in the agriculture and agro-financing sectors have extolled strategic action plans of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, aimed at ensuring food security and improved livelihoods.

Speaking during this year’s ‘National Action And Communication Plan’ for implementation of ‘Food Systems Transformation Pathways’ for states in Southern part of Nigeria, in Awka, the state capital, the convener, Dr. Sanjo Faniran, said the Soludo administration has proved its readiness to key into the Federal Government’s effort to ensure food sufficiency.

Faniran, who is the Director of Social Development in the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, stressed that the workshop was organised to generate input from the 17 southern states into the national implementation strategy to produce a national document, which is implementable and relatable by the people.

Earlier in his welcome address, Soludo, represented by his Chief of Staff, Ernest Ezeajughi, said his administration is working hard to ensure food security in the state.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Chiamaka Nnake, expressed gratitude that the state was found worthy to host the programme, hoping that the synergy would strengthen food systems in Nigeria.

Nnake noted that the major objective of the workshop was to define and present key pathways for transformation of the country’s current food systems, taking into consideration the end-to-end food production value chain, which is from production to final consumption.

She equally commended the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning for the proactive approach to 78 priority actions presented by President Muhammed Buhari at the September 2021 United Nations (UN) Food Systems Summit in New York, United States.

Nnake noted that the ministry did this by ensuring the task team, comprising relevant stakeholders, work tirelessly to produce a robust implementation strategy.

According to her, the transformation move would create a healthier, more sustainable and equitable food system that would guarantee poverty alleviation, provide security and optimal nutrition for all citizens, as well as ensure national progress.

“In Anambra, we understand the critical role food systems can play in supporting growth of our economy and livelihood of the people,” she added.