Borno State Reaffirms Commitment to Tackling Malnutrition Through the Nutrition 774 Initiative
In his keynote address, Governor Zulum described the inauguration as “a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change,” noting that nutrition is central to human development and the long-term prosperity of the state.
“We are not just inaugurating another committee,” he said. “We are cultivating a movement — one driven by collaboration, guided by compassion, and powered by data. Every plate of food represents an opportunity to nourish lives and transform destinies.”
Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to combating malnutrition, pledging to implement community-driven and evidence-based nutrition interventions across all local government areas. He called on stakeholders to treat the sensitization workshop as a platform to design actionable strategies that will foster a healthier and more productive Borno State.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Federal Government, Mrs. Uju Rochas-Anwukah, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, commended Governor Zulum’s proactive leadership and the state’s resilience in the face of long-standing humanitarian challenges.
She explained that the Nutrition 774 Initiative is an intervention under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, driven by three strategic pillars:
Political Will at the Subnational Level
Multisectoral Collaboration
Financing and Accountability
Mrs. Anwukah described malnutrition as “Nigeria’s most silent killer”, highlighting that one in every three children under five is stunted, while nearly half of child deaths are linked to malnutrition.
“Malnutrition is a national emergency hiding in plain sight,” she said. “It doesn’t discriminate by tribe or religion. It is the language of poverty and inequality — and we must respond with urgency and unity.”
She emphasized that the success of the initiative depends largely on local ownership, stating:
“This battle will not be won from Abuja. It will be won here in Borno — in Maiduguri, Konduga, Gwoza, Biu, Monguno, and Kaga. Our role is to support Borno-led solutions.”
The Executive Secretary of the Borno State Primary Health Care Development Agency (BSPHCDA), Professor Muhammad Arab Alhaji, described the inauguration as a historic milestone in the state’s health and nutrition landscape. He reiterated that good nutrition is the foundation of health and human development, adding that well-nourished mothers and children create stronger, more resilient communities.
Similarly, the Honourable Commissioner for Health reaffirmed the ministry’s full support for the initiative. He acknowledged the progress made under Governor Zulum’s leadership despite years of conflict and displacement, noting that Borno continues to expand access to quality healthcare and nutrition services.
“We have made notable progress, but we must intensify our efforts to reach every child, every mother, and every household,” he said. “We call on development partners, traditional rulers, and community organizations to continue mobilizing support and sustaining progress.”
Governor Zulum formally declared the State Council on Nutrition inaugurated and the Nutrition 774 Stakeholders Workshop open, urging all participants to embrace the moment as an opportunity to write a lasting legacy of nourishment and well-being for future generations.
“This is more than an event,” he concluded. “It is a call to build a healthier future — one where every child in Borno can grow, learn, and thrive.”
