Rivers State Commits to Nutrition as a Cornerstone of Development
In a bold affirmation of its commitment to public health and human capital, Rivers State, under the leadership of Governor Ibok‑Ete Ekwe Ibas (represented at the event), officially inaugurated the State Council on Nutrition to oversee and drive the implementation of the Nutrition 774 Initiative across the state’s local government areas. The inauguration took place at the Government House in Port Harcourt and marked a pivotal moment in the state’s strategic focus on nutrition, health systems strengthening, and food security.
Governor Ibas described the occasion as a clear signal that “every household, every child and every community matter in our journey toward a healthier, more prosperous Rivers State.” He emphasised that nutrition is not only a health issue but a fundamental driver of productivity, learning and economic development.
“We cannot build a prosperous state on an empty stomach. Nutrition must be at the centre of our planning, our budgets and our collective action,” he affirmed.
The newly inaugurated Council is built on a multi‑sectoral foundation, drawing together representatives from health, education, agriculture, women affairs, local government chairs, traditional institutions and budgetary planning departments. By integrating these sectors, Rivers State is shifting from isolated interventions to an all‑of‑government and all‑of‑community approach to nutrition.
Governor Ibas announced that Rivers State has allocated 10.8% of its 2025 budget to health, accompanied by targeted reactivation of vital food‑security and health infrastructure such as the mother & child hospital and cassava processing facilities—underscoring that nutrition‑sensitive actions will span from clinics to farms to communities.
Recognising malnutrition as a silent but profound barrier to growth, the Governor stressed that the Council will not simply exist on paper, but will deliver measurable results: plans will be data‑driven, outcomes will be tracked, and interventions will reach beyond urban centres to remote local governments and rural communities.
Key priorities laid out include:
Establishing dedicated nutrition departments and budget lines within relevant ministries
Strengthening food‑value chains to ensure local production, processing and access to nutritious foods
Mobilising community leaders and traditional institutions to ensure local ownership and sustainability of nutrition interventions
Scaling up outreach, prevention and early‑detection services for mothers and young children across all local government areas
Governor Ibas concluded with a call to all stakeholders:
“This is a collective mission. Every member of this Council, every community leader and every citizen has a role to play. Our future is nourished, healthy and productive only if we act now, act boldly, and act together.”
