CS-SUNN reaffirms commitment to strengthening nutrition policies in Yobe
By Ahmed Abba
The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening nutrition policies in Yobe State following the successful conclusion of a three-day advocacy campaign.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the advocacy campaign, which ended on Friday in Damaturu, focused on the implementation of a six-month paid maternity leave and the establishment of a child nutrition fund.
Additionally, the campaign highlighted opportunities for the state to access counter-funding under CS-SUNN and UNICEF projects.
The team also advocated for the adoption and launch of the National Policy on Food and Nutrition.
Mr Ambrose Evhoesor, CS-SUNN Programme Officer and Team Lead, expressed satisfaction with the level of engagement from Yobe’s stakeholders at the conclusion of the campaign.
He commended their willingness to collaborate on policies that would improve maternal and child nutrition.
“We are optimistic that Yobe State will implement the six-month paid maternity leave policy, which is crucial for improving infant nutrition and maternal health.
“CS-SUNN remains committed to supporting the state through capacity-building initiatives, particularly in policy drafting and memo writing, to ensure the successful launch and implementation of nutrition policies,” Evhoesor stated.
During the visit, the advocacy team met with key stakeholders, including the Speaker of Yobe’s House of Assembly, Ciroma Mashio, who assured the team of the government’s commitment to nutrition reforms.
Mashio also highlighted significant milestones such as the establishment of a food and nutrition committee, the passage of the Child Rights Act, and the allocation of 15 per cent of the annual budget to the health sector.
In his remarks, Alhaji Baba Malam-Wali, the Secretary to the State Government, reaffirmed the state’s readiness to launch the National Policy on Food and Nutrition.
Malam-Wali was represented by Alhaji Abdulkarim Umar, the Permanent Secretary for Administration and General Services.
(NAN)
