… Okpebholo Honoured as Nutrition Amb, Best Performing Gov
The Edo State Government through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning has officially launched a five-year Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (2025 – 2029) as part of efforts to reduce malnutrition and improve the nutritional wellbeing of residents across the eighteen local government areas of the State.
At the launch, the State Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomole, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to tackling malnutrition and enhancing the wellbeing of families, especially women and children. He stated that the initiative reflects the administration’s dedication to building a healthier and more productive population, adding that food and nutrition security go beyond health issues to encompass economic and social development.
Sen. Okpebholo noted that malnutrition continues to hinder learning outcomes in schools, reduce workplace productivity, and weaken community wellbeing. He stressed that addressing the problem requires strategic coordination across sectors such as health, agriculture, education, water, sanitation, and social protection. In his words, “As a government, we recognize that addressing malnutrition requires more than good intentions. It demands strategy, coordination, and strong partnerships.
“That is why the Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action brings together key sectors to work in synergy towards a common goal of ensuring that every Edo citizen, regardless of status, has access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food all year round. Our vision is simple but powerful; to make Edo State a place where no child suffers from malnutrition, where mothers are healthy and productive, and where every family can thrive because they are nourished to live full and dignified lives.”
The Governor emphasized that the true measure of success lies not in the document itself but in its implementation, noting the State Government will ensure that adequate resources are mobilized, institutions strengthened, and accountability mechanisms put in place to track progress and ensure transparency. He described the plan as a roadmap and a call to action that aligns with the Edo State Development Plan and global commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Two and Three, which prescribe Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being.
Sen. okpebholo the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning for coordinating the development of the plan in collaboration with ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAS) , development partners, civil society organizations (CSOs), and technical experts. He appreciated development partners for their technical and financial supports, urging all Edo citizens to take ownership of the initiative.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Elizabeth Ebosele, described adequate nutrition as a critical factor for growth, development, and productivity. She highlighted the Edo State Government’s collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners of ensuring that no child in Edo State suffers from malnutrition, as a worthy course.
Dr. Ebosele explained that the plan was developed through broad stakeholders’ engagement and designed to deliver measurable and sustainable nutrition outcomes. She stressed that achieving food and nutrition security remains central to economic growth and human capital development, pointing out that malnutrition still poses serious challenges, particularly among women and children, resulting in stunted growth, reduced productivity, and increased vulnerability to diseases.
The State Nutrition Officer, Mrs. Phil-Imade Amenze Nekpen, in her presentation, gave an overview of the current nutrition situation in Edo State, citing the prevalence of anaemia among children under five years and women of reproductive age as a major concern. She identified poverty, poor public health, and disruptions to food systems as the main drivers of malnutrition.
Representatives of UNICEF, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, delivered goodwill messages, commending the Edo State Government for its proactive steps and pledged continued partnership to ensure effective implementation of the plan.
The UNICEF Officer in Charge of Lagos Office, Mr. Muhammad Okorie, described the launch as a testament to the Edo State Government’s strong political will and urged adequate budgetary support for its implementation. The WHO State Coordinator, Dr. Eyo Nora, encouraged the State Government to leverage available funding platforms to scale up interventions. The NPHCDA State Coordinator, Mr. Lawani Osawe, commended the State Government’s strides in health and nutrition initiatives, describing the plan as another milestone in its developmental strides.
Highlights of the event was the official unveiling of the Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (2025 – 2029) and the investiture of His Excellency, Sen. Okpebholo, as Nutrition Ambassador and Best Performing Governor, by the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, for advancing and promoting nutrition in Nigeria.
The ceremony, organized by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with UNICEF, brought together key stakeholders including commissioners, local government chairmen, heads of MDAs, development partners, and CSOs.
Daniel-Nwosu Nohunwan Lucy
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Edo State