ALGON Adamawa Backs UNICEF-Led Nutrition Drive, Vows Grassroots Action Against Child Malnutrition
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Adamawa Chapter, on Wednesday pledged its support for the successful implementation of the state’s nutrition policy, which is backed by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Chapter Chairman Mr. Suleiman Gangkuba made the pledge during a two-day workshop on understanding the nutrition landscape and financing needs in Yola for council chairmen and their deputies.
Gangkuba, represented by the Chairperson of Fufore Local Government Area (LGA), Mrs. Peace Audu, expressed commitment to leveraging the workshop to improve the well-being of children across the state.
He noted that the council chairmen were prepared to take the programme seriously and commended the state government for its commitment, as well as UNICEF’s continuous support.
Dr. Mary Padinga, chairperson of the Adamawa State Planning Commission, said the aim of the workshop was to engage local government chairmen as key partners in the implementation of the nutrition policy to combat malnutrition.
“We at the planning commission are policy formulators, but the real agents of implementation are at the local government level.
“We trust you to ensure we tackle the menace of malnutrition effectively,” she said.
Dr. Nuzhat Rafigue, Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, emphasised that nutrition was a fundamental right of every child.
She lauded Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri’s leadership and dedication in addressing malnutrition and called on council chairmen to treat the nutrition agenda as a personal and collective responsibility.
“You are the fathers and mothers of every child in your communities. Take ownership of this cause and champion the fight against malnutrition,” she urged.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a similar workshop was recently conducted for members of the State Assembly to strengthen legislative action and commitment toward nutrition financing in Adamawa. (NAN)
