The Oyo State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched a four-year multi-sectoral strategic plan on food and nutrition to tackle malnutrition and hunger among children and women in the state.
Misbaudeen Babatunde, a professor and Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, who launched the project in Ibadan, said that the food and nutrition policy would guide the state in addressing food security challenges from individuals and households to communities, local governments, and the state itself.
Speaking at the launch, Gafar Bello, executive assistant on Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, who represented the commissioner, said that the Oyo State government is committed to eradicating malnutrition within its borders.
While appreciating UNICEF contributions to the development of children, women, and other vulnerable groups in the state, Babatunde said that the government allocated ₦250 million as its counterpart fund for the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN) project, a World Bank initiative that commenced in March 2020.
Additionally, Oyo State paid ₦100 million as its counterpart fund for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund project.
“In total, the Oyo State government’s contribution is N350,000,000 in terms of money as a counterpart contribution to the Nutrition Fund to address all forms of malnutrition,” he said.
The Commissioner said that the document is expected to serve as a road map, adding that it aligns with the policies of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration.
He decried the current stunted rate of malnourished children, adding that it is expected that if the policy is well implemented, it will reduce the percentage.
“The present administration since assumption had been working assiduously for enhanced economic growth, employment and wealth creation as well as creating an enabling environment for women and children in the state,” he said.
The commissioner also informed the gathering that, a home-grown 20-year development plan termed ‘Agenda 2040’ that will be a product of inputs and perspectives of various shades of opinions including state and non-state actors, has been developed and launched in the state.
He assured UNICEF that the state government would not relent in its efforts in protecting the children in line with Child Rights Law 2006, which is geared towards protection, development, survival, and participation.
Boluwatife Ogunjimi, UNICEF representative, said that the stunted rate in Oyo State is about 34.5 percent.
She disclosed that child mortality is attributable to malnutrition, stressing that good nutrition plays a leading role in averting death of children.
Tunde Ayanleke, permanent secretary of the ministry, in his remarks, assured UNICEF that various activities in the plan document would be judiciously implemented so that human, materials, and financial resources committed to the eventual production of the document yield positive results.
He said that the achievements of UNICEF in the state cut across all sectors of the economy.
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