GAIN lauds Kebbi's commitment to nutritional betterment of citizens

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), has commended the Kebbi State Government for its commitment to nutritional betterment of its people in the State. 

Mr Michael Ojo, the Country Director of GAIN made the commendation in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday sequel to Oct. 26 launch of the Pilot Production of Fortified Rice in Nigeria. 

The launch of the pilot production was as a result of a fruitful collaboration between GAIN, the United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP) and the Federal Ministry of Health through Promoting Rice Fortification in Nigeria (PRiFN) as well as the Kebbi State Government that is hosting the project and  pioneering rice fortification in Nigeria.

Ojo said, "PRiFN's partnership with the Kebbi State Government, especially under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr Nasir Idris, has been pivotal.

" I must add that this partnership started under the leadership of the former Governor, Senator Atiku Bagudu, now Hon. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning.

"They have created an enabling space for the  partners to work with them, providing clear strategic leadership. Their commitment to the nutritional betterment of their citizens is highly commendable."

Ojo added that the project's collaboration with agencies like the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has been instrumental to the successes recorded by the project, resulting in the development of a National Code of Practice for Fortified Rice production. 

"We are immensely grateful to our industry partners – Wacot, Bakaba, and Labana rice mills – for pioneering rice fortification in Nigeria, exemplifying the idea that customer well-being transcends mere profit for these exemplary businesses," he lauded.

Ojo said that PRiFN had  accomplished a lot already on its journey – building the capacities of stakeholders, advocating for better industry practices, and providing technical support for policy development.

" If you have been eagerly anticipating the inclusion of fortified rice in your meals, rest assured it is coming soon.

" Our novel approach has been to first create demand and acceptance for fortified rice by including it in social protection programs that serve millions of the most vulnerable population.

"This is so beginning with fortified rice for school feeding and social protection programs in Kebbi State, and then to support the private sector in responding to this new market with increased supply.

"We look forward to further collaborations to ensure that fortified rice is not just available, but also affordable and accessible to all," he said. 

Ojo explained that the October 26 event marked a substantial stride in their united effort to combat malnutrition in Nigeria, particularly the "hidden hunger" of micro-nutrient deficiencies.

He said, "For years, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and WFP has been an unwavering ally to the Nigerian government in battling malnutrition in all its forms. 

"For the benefit of those who don’t know who we are, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), is a Swiss-based foundation launched at the United Nations in 2002 to tackle the human suffering caused by malnutrition. 

"GAIN's Strategy aims to transform food systems to make healthier diets from sustainable food systems accessible to all people and especially those who are most vulnerable to shocks.

 "By 2027, we aim to improve the access of 1.5 billion people (globally) to nutritionally enhanced staple foods, improve the access of 25 million people (globally) to healthier diets, and support positive food system transformation across the countries we work in. 

"These are bold and complex aims, and the only way to achieve this is to work together with partners including governments, businesses, academia, civil society and communities, working at local, country and global levels."

In his remarks, Kebbi State Governor,  Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu appealed to all the development partners to join the government in the fight against malnutrition and related public health challenges in the State. 

"Our doors are open and we are willing and able to effectively collaborate with you in this regards.

"Considering the consumption pattern of rice, rice fortification is an excellent addition to our current food and nutrition interventions and would help reach many people including those most vulnerable to malnutrition with essential vitamins and minerals for improved wellbeing.

"For us, it was not a difficult decision to make, we already have the rice and making it more nutritious by restoring lost nutrients whilst still delivering other essential vitamins and minerals to millions at little or no cost should be the easiest decision for a government passionate about the wellbeing of her people," he said.

The governor commended the GAIN and World Food Programme for the project, saying, "it has facilitated training for government officials, schools and rice millers/processors in the state, amongst others."

Gov Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu was represented by his Deputy, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida at the event.