Nutrition is not Political Issues, it's in Rural Communities and Needs Organic Approach - Hilary Bisong

Iloke Egbe SPC 

The chairman Cross River State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security RT. Hon. Hilary Bisong has expressed excitement on the level of commitment of the Governor His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu on issues of food and Nutrition in the State, adding that it's work in process that is aimed at putting Cross River first in the nutrition map in Nigeria. 

He disclosed this during his remarks while declaring open a breakfast meeting with Chief Executives and key stakeholders on the adoption of child Nutrition Fund and the implementation of 6 months paid maternity leave in Cross River held at the State planning Commission conference hall, New Secretariat Complex Calabar.

He called on UNICEF, CS-SUN and other stakeholders to support the State Government in her desire to domesticate the production of most of the vital supplements needed to address malnutrition using calafarm which already has equipments, human resources and in a good location. Adding that Cross River State is not like any other State in Nigeria as the State strive to lead in the fight against malnutrition and poverty using system approach. 

According to Mr Bisong, the present administration doesn't want to spend public money in away that it will not give value to the people hence, the desire to promote locally sources and alternative to reduce the cost of imports and charges to promote sustainability. 

In her contribution, the Board of Trustee Chairman, Civil Society Scaling up Nutrition in Nigeria Dr. Mrs. Mbang Ada expressed the Board appreciation to the State for the positive commitment shown to fund Nutrition activities including the money released to march-fund Nutrition. That whatever led to the return of the money back to Government needs to be discussed and addressed for the benefit of the State and to enhance the participation of the State in assessing the Child Nutrition Fund which has much value to add. 

On her part, the Commissioner Ministry of Women Affairs Hon. Dr. Edema Irom advocated for the establishment of home gardens to address malnutrition and poor handling or processing of food. While the Commissioner Ministry of Health Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk reiterated the reduction in the number of Board room meetings for increase funding of activities at the grassroots level or direct beneficiaries. 

Highlights of the meeting was presentation on objectives of the meeting by CS-SUN program Officer Mr. Ambrose Avhesor, strengthening Child Nutrition Fund in Cross River State by the Executive Secretary CS-SUN Mr. Sunday Okoronkwo. The event also featured goodwill messages from the Director General, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency Dr. Vivian Mesembe Otu and from the SA Budget Office represented by the Permanent Secretary Dr. Peter Uklala. 

Dignitaries in attendance were Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Food Security and Focal Person on Nutrition Hon. Dr. Edem Okokon Offiom, the Head of Service Obol Dr. Innocent Eteng represented by Mr Okoi Ofem, the Vice Chairman Chief Executive Officer SPC Pastor Dr Bong Duke represented by the Permanent Secretary Mr. Kingsley Ndem Eyibio who gave a welcome remarks.

The was also witness questions and answers, vote of thanks and group photograph.