C/R Govt in Collaboration with UNICEF Inaugurate Yala Local Govt Food and Nutrition Committee

Iloke, Egbe 

The Cross River State Government in collaboration with UNICEF Nigeria has Inaugurated Food and Nutrition Committee in Yala LGA in respond to the desire of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu the Governor to address the mennence of hunger, malnutrition and poverty amongst some residents of the State mostly the vulnerable. 

Inaugurating the committee at Ijiraga the Yala LG Council headquarters the Vice Chairman Chief Executive Officer Cross River State Planning Commission and chairman CR/State Council on Food Systems Security Pastor Dr. Bong Duke represented by the State Chairman Food and Nutrition Committee and Permanent Secretary SPC Mr Kingsley Ndem Eyibio informed that the challenges associated with malnutrition, hunger and poverty is a modern war that calls for all hands to be on deck before it can be won therefore the constitution of the committee to help push backwards the frontiers of malnutrition and food insecurity in the State is a deliberate policy of the Governor to ensure that Cross Riverians participate and enjoy the season of sweetness.

That the CRS Food and Nutrition policy requires an effective institutional arrangement to ensure a results oriented programme implementation both at the State, Local Government Area and at the Ward level which aimed at bringing all stakeholders together to fight the common enemy and reduce malnutrition, hunger and poverty in the State. Adding that the overall objective of the Committee is the improvement of nutritional status of the people of the Local Government throughout their life cycle with special focus on the vulnerable groups especially children under 5 years, adolescents and women of productive age, the elderly while providing a coordinated leadership for Food and Nutrition at that level. 

Stating that the issue of accountability and accurate reporting is key to help inform decisions making geared towards achieving the Governor's desire of making Cross Riverians the healthiest people in Nigeria by the year 2027. The Inauguration  of Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition is sponsored by UNICEF and the Cross River State Government with a view to provide reliable institutional framework to make Food and Nutrition protocol a tradition amongst the people of the State in a sustainable manner.

Earlier the State Nutrition Officer Mrs. Nkem Eyong Ubana Presented a PowerPoint overview of the State Food and Nutrition policy, organogram and expectations of Government from the committee and the people at the Ward level. Also a member of the State Technical Working Committee on Food and Nutrition Dr. Simon Obogo analyzed the psychological effects of malnutrition which deterred the proper development of vital organs like mental well-being including stunting in most children which lead to low productivity and can affect their economic contributions to society.

Members of the Food and Nutrition Committee in Yala LGA are Hon. Godwin Odama chairman, Dr. Mrs. Augustina Okem, Cecilia Ogah, Agbor William, Tony Onah, Dominic Ogar, Mary Obok, Margret Ebiale, Ebiale Victoria, HRH Livinus Augustine and Grace Odey secretary.

Highlights of the event was the Inauguration and acceptance speech by the committee chairman where he promised the commitment of the committee to ensure that nutrition statistics in Yala LGA is reposition positively, adding that the chairman of Council Hon. Fred Okem is fully in support of the Governor's people's first mantra. Questions and answers and group photograph.

Dignitaries at the Inauguration was the clan head of Ijiraga His Royal Highness Chief Livinus Odey, political appointees, Staff of Yala LGA, Youth and women groups.

C/R Govt in Collaboration with UNICEF Inaugurate Yala Local Govt Food and Nutrition Committee

Iloke, Egbe 

The Cross River State Government in collaboration with UNICEF Nigeria has Inaugurated Food and Nutrition Committee in Yala LGA in respond to the desire of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu the Governor to address the mennence of hunger, malnutrition and poverty amongst some residents of the State mostly the vulnerable. 

Inaugurating the committee at Ijiraga the Yala LG Council headquarters the Vice Chairman Chief Executive Officer Cross River State Planning Commission and chairman CR/State Council on Food Systems Security Pastor Dr. Bong Duke represented by the State Chairman Food and Nutrition Committee and Permanent Secretary SPC Mr Kingsley Ndem Eyibio informed that the challenges associated with malnutrition, hunger and poverty is a modern war that calls for all hands to be on deck before it can be won therefore the constitution of the committee to help push backwards the frontiers of malnutrition and food insecurity in the State is a deliberate policy of the Governor to ensure that Cross Riverians participate and enjoy the season of sweetness.

That the CRS Food and Nutrition policy requires an effective institutional arrangement to ensure a results oriented programme implementation both at the State, Local Government Area and at the Ward level which aimed at bringing all stakeholders together to fight the common enemy and reduce malnutrition, hunger and poverty in the State. Adding that the overall objective of the Committee is the improvement of nutritional status of the people of the Local Government throughout their life cycle with special focus on the vulnerable groups especially children under 5 years, adolescents and women of productive age, the elderly while providing a coordinated leadership for Food and Nutrition at that level. 

Stating that the issue of accountability and accurate reporting is key to help inform decisions making geared towards achieving the Governor's desire of making Cross Riverians the healthiest people in Nigeria by the year 2027. The Inauguration  of Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition is sponsored by UNICEF and the Cross River State Government with a view to provide reliable institutional framework to make Food and Nutrition protocol a tradition amongst the people of the State in a sustainable manner.

Earlier the State Nutrition Officer Mrs. Nkem Eyong Ubana Presented a PowerPoint overview of the State Food and Nutrition policy, organogram and expectations of Government from the committee and the people at the Ward level. Also a member of the State Technical Working Committee on Food and Nutrition Dr. Simon Obogo analyzed the psychological effects of malnutrition which deterred the proper development of vital organs like mental well-being including stunting in most children which lead to low productivity and can affect their economic contributions to society.

Members of the Food and Nutrition Committee in Yala LGA are Hon. Godwin Odama chairman, Dr. Mrs. Augustina Okem, Cecilia Ogah, Agbor William, Tony Onah, Dominic Ogar, Mary Obok, Margret Ebiale, Ebiale Victoria, HRH Livinus Augustine and Grace Odey secretary.

Highlights of the event was the Inauguration and acceptance speech by the committee chairman where he promised the commitment of the committee to ensure that nutrition statistics in Yala LGA is reposition positively, adding that the chairman of Council Hon. Fred Okem is fully in support of the Governor's people's first mantra. Questions and answers and group photograph.

Dignitaries at the Inauguration was the clan head of Ijiraga His Royal Highness Chief Livinus Odey, political appointees, Staff of Yala LGA, Youth and women groups.

We Would Support Food and Nutrition Activities Holistically- Odukpani Council Boss

Iloke, Egbe 

The Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Council RT. Hon. Etim Asido has pledged the readiness of his administration to support the comprehensive development of nutrition by making it a cardinal objectives of democratic dividends to his people given the desire of the Governor His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu to make Cross Riverians the healthiest people in Nigeria by the year 2027.

The Chairman stated this during the inauguration of the Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition held at the conference hall of the Council, Odukpani while affirming that the vice chairman of the Council who double as the LGCFN is credible and has the capacity required to drive the process successfully adding that, his office is open and can be contacted anytime the need arises. 

Inaugurating the committee the Vice Chairman Chief Executive Officer Cross River State Planning Commission Pastor Dr. Bong Duke said  CRS Food and Nutrition policy requires an effective institutional arrangement to ensure a results oriented programme implementation both at the State, Local Government Area and Wards. 

The VC CEO represented by the Permanent Secretary Mr Kingsley Ndem Eyibio stated that the overall aim of the committee is to improve the nutritional status of the people living in the LGA throughout their life cycle with focus on vulnerable groups especially children under 5 years, adolescents, women of productive age and the elderly.  While providing a coordinated leadership for Food and Nutrition interventions at the LG level with accountability and accurate reporting for informed decisions. According to the VC CEO the desire of the Governor to make Cross Riverians the healthiest people in Nigeria start with the LGA.

Earlier the State Nutrition Officer Mrs Nkem Eyong Ubana made a brief PowerPoint presentation highlighting history, organogram, multi sectoral nature of nutrition which called for synergies and analyzed the short and long time negative consequences of malnutrition in children under 5 or above inclusive of adults. She also highlighted the support received from the Governor which has improved nutrition activities in the State. Some of the achievements are 6 months maternity leave with pay for nursing mothers, improve budget and releases, establishment of nutrition departments in 7 MDAs and approved State policy on nutrition, etc.

Adding her voice the Director PRS Ministry of Local Government Affairs Mrs Ewo Edet inform that nutritional practices are not very expensive as many view it and assured the Local Government Committee of budget provisions already made in 2025 appropriation to ease the committee work.

Highlights of the inauguration were acceptance speech by the Local Government vice chairman who double as the chairman Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition stating that she will give her best to serve her people through the committee work. Presentation of the State policy on Food and Nutrition to the LGCFN by the SCFN Mr Kingsley Ndem Eyibio, questions and answers and group photograph.

Members of the Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition are Hon. Mrs. Patricia Iya - chairman 

Mrs. Emem Etim Asido, Dr. Mrs. Obal Usang Esang, Mrs. Ekanem Uno Onote, Hon. Barr. Alex Asuquo, Abang Johnson Abang, Evelyn C. Obiku, Ikonwem Okon Uwa, Asuquo Offiong Ekong. Others includes Veronica Effiom, Eunice C. Igwe, His Royal Highness Sylvanus Iyamba and Essien Edet. The advocacy and inauguration of Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition in the State is sponsored by UNICEF and CRS Government.

In attendance were the wife of the chairman Mrs. Emem Etim Asido who also expressed desire to support the program, the Head of Local Government Administration Dr. Mrs. Obal Esang and the 10 Counselors in Odukpani LGA.

Similarly, the State Committee on Food and Nutrition paid advocacy visit to the Executive chairman of Calabar Municipal soliciting stronger synergies. The Chairman represented by the Vice Chairman Pastor. RT. Hon. Okon Etim Nyong who warmly received the committee members with a promise to support nutrition activities. 

The visit featured presentation by the State nutrition officer and members of the State Committee on Food and Nutrition, questions and answers and group photograph. In attendance was the Head of Local Government Administration Mrs. Ekanem Ansa Henshaw, His Royal Highness Ntufam Dr. Hayford S. Edet, Directors and heads of Departments in Calabar Municipal Council and Staff while members of the State Committee on Food and Nutrition were also fully in attendance.