In its efforts to achieve food security and ensure access to safe and nutritious food in Cross River State, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Food Systems Transformation Pathways (FSTP) as part of its strategy to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, made this disclosure on Wednesday at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar, while declaring open a two-day bi-annual review meeting on the implementation of the Food Systems Transformation Pathways (FSTP). The meeting was jointly organized by the Cross River State Government and the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Governor Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, stated that transforming food systems to ensure food security, nutrition, health, and environmental sustainability has become a major priority for his administration, researchers, and stakeholders globally. He noted that actions within food systems impact people’s health, nutritional status, environment, economy, climate, and various social activities that shape society.
“In Cross River State and particularly since the inception of my administration, we have made frantic efforts to address food system actions across implementing sectors by addressing basic constraints leading to food availability, accessibility, affordability and desirability.
“We are intentional about the key objective of this administration which aims to make Cross River State a state with the healthiest citizens in Nigeria by the year 2027,” he said.
Speaking further, he commended the Federal Government for choosing Cross River State as the host, assuring that the state is committed to reducing the current adverse statistics on food and nutrition to the barest minimum.
Odey emphasized the need for support and collaboration from partners and other states in the region, highlighting his belief in teamwork as a means to enhance the efficiency of food systems and achieve the desired impact across the zone. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for partnerships and the growth of businesses, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
While presenting an overview of the Food Systems Transformation Pathways in Nigeria, Dr. Sanjo Faniran, the National Convenor of the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) in Nigeria, explained that the FSTP is an initiative introduced by the United Nations to address global food security challenges.
Emphasizing that food systems transformation is crucial for Nigeria’s socioeconomic development, he urged MDAs to utilize the data from the National Food and Macronutrient Survey Report, launched on April 30th. The report highlights gaps and necessary interventions in dietary diversity, animal protein intake, micronutrient and iron deficiencies, as well as inflammation and malaria, which contribute to anemia.
In his welcome address, the Vice Chairman and CEO of the State Planning Commission, Dr. Bon Duke, stated that the primary objective of the two-day event is to establish a platform for a coordinated approach to implementing food systems transformation pathways.
“In Cross River State, efforts are ongoing to transform our food systems particularly since the take off of Governor Bassey Otu led-administration which has brought innovations and strategic ideas poised to reduce food and nutrition insecurity, create access to safe and nutritious food in an environmentally sustainable manner that will improve the health and wealth of our people,” he said.
Also contributing, the Rivers State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Peter Medee, speaking on behalf of all the Commissioners for Budget and Economic Planning, Agriculture, Education, Health, and Finance from the affected zones, reiterated their collective commitment to advancing the implementation of the Federal Government’s initiative and ensuring it delivers tangible benefits to Nigerians.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, the Commissioners for Finance and Health (represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health), and collaborating partners like GHAIN, Nutrition International, UNICEM, among others.
Fred Abua, Esq.,
Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Cross River State
27:11:2024
