The Governor of Yobe State, His Excellency Hon. (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni, CON, COMN, has officially inaugurated the Yobe State Council on Nutrition 774, reaffirming the state’s dedication to improving nutrition outcomes and public health under the Nutrition 774 Initiative — a nationwide programme designed to promote nutrition-focused development in all 774 local government areas across Nigeria.
The inauguration was held at the Government House, Damaturu, when the Governor received Mrs. Uju Rochas-Anwukah, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, who was in the state on an advocacy visit to strengthen collaboration on the implementation of the initiative.
Governor Buni expressed Yobe State’s full alignment with the objectives of the Nutrition 774 programme, emphasizing that the initiative supports sustainable public health and economic growth.
“Our administration launched a massive agricultural empowerment programme to boost food security, nutrition, and economic development,” the Governor stated. “This has encouraged mass participation in agricultural production and positioned Yobe State for smooth collaboration and integration into the Nutrition 774 programme.”
He further highlighted that Yobe State has integrated nutrition-sensitive interventions across multiple sectors — including health, education, social protection, and women empowerment — to build a healthy and productive population.
Governor Buni described the Nutrition 774 Initiative as a bold and transformative vision aimed at making every Local Government Area a hub for community-driven nutrition action. He emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral coordination and grassroots participation in ensuring the success of the initiative.
“We have, through strong partnerships with development agencies such as UNICEF, UNFPA, the World Food Programme, the World Bank, and UNDP, expanded community-based nutrition services, strengthened maternal and child health systems, and improved access to life-saving interventions for vulnerable groups,” he said.
The Governor also revealed ongoing investments in data systems and local capacity building to enhance planning, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making in nutrition programming.
While commending Governor Buni for his proactive leadership, Mrs. Uju Rochas-Anwukah applauded Yobe State’s progress in agriculture and healthcare — both vital for nutritional development.
“You have been a great silent achiever, especially in agriculture and the health sector,” she said. “We are confident that Yobe State will record great success in the Nutrition 774 Initiative and serve as a model for other states.”
She further noted that the collaboration between the Federal and State Governments provides a valuable opportunity to deepen partnerships and leverage federal technical and financial support to accelerate nutrition interventions across communities.
Governor Buni concluded by emphasizing the need for collective ownership of the initiative, urging traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations, the private sector, and community members to join hands in tackling malnutrition.
“Our collective goal is to build a generation that is healthy, strong, and productive — capable of contributing meaningfully to the future of our state and nation,” he said. “We must work together to ensure that no child in Yobe suffers the lifelong consequences of malnutrition.”
