By Okwudili Akaeze,
The Ika South Local Government Council has committed to funding the State Government's Food and Nutrition Committee, aiming to enhance food security and improve nutrition for residents across the council area.
This commitment was announced by the Council Chairman, Engr. Jerry Ehiwario, during an advocacy and sensitization visit by the State Committee on Food and Nutrition. Represented by the Vice Chairman, Mrs. Gloria Onyeagbor, the Chairman stressed the urgency of addressing child hunger in the region, noting that malnutrition is a major barrier preventing many children from attending school and concentrating in class.
Recalling her experience as a former classroom teacher, Mrs. Onyeagbor highlighted the challenges posed by hunger in schools. "Many children come to school on an empty stomach, which affects their ability to learn," she said. She assured the Committee that the council would allocate funds to support initiatives aimed at improving food and nutrition in Ika South.
In her address, Mrs. Deborah Okubio, Director at the Ministry of Local Government Affairs and leader of the Committee, outlined the importance of the Committee’s work. She emphasized that it was established by the Federal Government and UNICEF to address food and nutrition challenges across Delta State, with chapters replicated in all 25 local government areas. However, she noted that many local chapters had become inactive, prompting the advocacy visit to revive them.
Mrs. Okubio called on the council to create a dedicated budget line for the Committee to operate effectively. She also outlined the Committee’s responsibilities, which include providing technical assistance, proposing impactful nutrition programs, and ensuring the implementation of sector-specific policies.
She urged all sectors involved to work collaboratively to achieve the Committee's goals, which align with the Federal Government and UNICEF's mission to improve food and nutrition outcomes for children and families in Delta State.
