The Yobe State Government has restated its unwavering commitment to providing quality healthcare services and achieving food security through strategic partnerships with the Federal Government and development agencies.
Governor Mai Mala Buni made this known when he received the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Health, Mrs. Uju Rochas, on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Damaturu.
The governor said his administration recently launched a massive agricultural empowerment programme designed to boost food production and stimulate economic growth.
Buni stated that the initiative encourages mass participation and aligns with the Federal Government’s 774 Nutrition Initiative Programme aimed at improving nutrition and ensuring food sufficiency nationwide.
“Our government has integrated nutrition-sensitive interventions into health, education, and social protection programmes, as well as skill acquisition initiatives under the Ministry of Women Affairs.
“These efforts are part of our broader recovery strategy to build a healthier and more productive population,” the Governor stated.
He disclosed that Yobe State has established a State Council for the 774 Nutrition Initiative Programme to serve as a coordinating body providing leadership, oversight, and advocacy for nutrition-related activities.
Buni urged development partners such as UNDP, WHO, and UNICEF to complement government efforts in tackling malnutrition and supporting maternal and child healthcare across the state.
According to him, the state has significantly expanded community-based health services, strengthened maternal and child health systems, and improved access to life-saving interventions for vulnerable groups.
In her remarks, Mrs. Uju Rochas said her visit was to introduce the 774 Nutrition Initiative Programme, a flagship of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She described malnutrition as a major public health challenge in Nigeria, accounting for over half of deaths among children under three years and contributing to school dropouts.
“Malnutrition transcends tribe, religion, and politics. Every child has the right to survive, and tackling it requires a collective, multi-sectoral approach,” she said.
Mrs. Rochas commended Governor Buni for his achievements in agriculture and human capital development, noting that Yobe’s agricultural expansion will play a crucial role in reducing poverty and enhancing food security in the state and beyond.
