South South Stakeholders Gather in Benin City for a 2 Day Zonal Consultative Meeting, Review of National Policy on Food and Nutrition

Iloke Egbe SPC Calabar 

Stakeholders in the 6 States of South South gather in Benin City, Edo State for a 2 Zonal Consultative Meeting and review of the national policy on food and Nutrition. The event held at Limoh suits, GRA, Benin City is to enable stakeholders make their contributions to the draft policy on Food and Nutrition to enhance buying in and participation by relevant stakeholders.

The draft policy has 5 chapters and spotlights background of the policy, food and Nutrition situation in Nigeria, national policy on food and Nutrition in Nigeria, Nigeria progress towards global nutrition targets, programmes context and social cultural and economic context.

Also in the draft policy are guiding principles of the policy, conceptual framework, vision, objectives and targets of the policy and theory of change of the policy. While chapter 3 deals with strategies, transform food systems to increase food security at all levels and promote ultimal nutrition in the 1st 1000 days of childbirth. 

Including increase access to nutrition sensitive, Water, sanitation and hygiene services. Institutional framework and implementation plan, partners and professional bodies, resource mobilization, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning.

In an interview with some personalities and participates, Dr. Duro Clement Dolapo a consultant to Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning described the review meeting as very vital in creating a policy that will stand the taste of time and meet the people's needs and commend participants. While Mr Davidson Ogeh, from Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning expressed excitement on the progress of work done and the commitment of stakeholders. Dr. Esiese Efeomon, also expressed pleasure to organizers of the meeting adding that there is room for improvement. 

While chief Uwaifoh James, chairman Nutrition society Edo State chapter describes the event as very strategic and meaningful. According to him the Policy before now did not cover a wide range of vital aspects of concern respect of food and Nutrition, but it's now very focus and professional to address wide range of issues and challenges. He advised participants to see themselves as change agents due to their valuable contributions to the document which will bring about positive development.

Highlights of the event was a PowerPoint presentation of the draft policy overview and review process, breakout sessions and discussions, sharing of findings, clarification of issues, goodwill messages from Stakeholders, and group photograph.

In attendance were delegates from Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta States. Others were from consultants, Civil Society Organizations and Staff from Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning Abuja.