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.