By Abbas Nazil
The Oyo State government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched a four-year Multi-Sectoral Strategic Plan of Action on Food and Nutrition (OYSMPFAN) aimed at addressing malnutrition and food insecurity among children and women in the state.
The initiative seeks to provide a structured approach to tackling hunger and improving nutritional standards at all levels, from individuals and households to communities and local governments.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Misbaudeen Babatunde, who was represented by his executive assistant on finance, budget, and economic planning, Gafar Bello, unveiled the project in Ibadan.
He emphasized the state government’s commitment to eradicating malnutrition and highlighted that the policy would serve as a guiding framework for implementing strategies to enhance food and nutrition security across the state.
Related Posts
As part of its commitment, the state government has 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.
The state has also contributed ₦100 million to the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, bringing the total financial commitment to ₦350 million.
Babatunde reaffirmed that these funds would be utilized to combat all forms of malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable groups.
He lamented the current prevalence of malnourishment of children, underscoring the government’s dedication to economic growth, employment, and wealth creation to tackle the problem.
He assured UNICEF that the state government remains steadfast in its commitment to child protection, in line with the Child Rights Law of 2006, which prioritizes the survival, development, and participation of children.
Speaking at the event, UNICEF representative Boluwatife Ogunjimi, stressed the importance of proper nutrition in reducing child deaths.
