The Edo State Government, through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, has officially launched a four-year Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (2025–2029) 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 said 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 explained that malnutrition negatively impacts learning outcomes in schools, reduces workplace productivity, and weakens community wellbeing. He stressed that addressing the issue requires strong coordination across different sectors such as health, agriculture, education, water, sanitation, and social protection.
“As a government, we recognize that addressing malnutrition requires more than good intentions. It demands strategy, coordination, and strong partnerships,” he said.
He added, “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 real success of the plan will be seen in its implementation. He stated that the State Government will ensure that adequate resources are mobilized, institutions are strengthened, and accountability mechanisms are put in place to track progress and ensure transparency. According to him, the plan serves 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 focus on Zero Hunger, Good Health, and Well-being.
Sen. Okpebholo appreciated 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 thanked development partners for their technical and financial support and urged all Edo citizens to take ownership of the initiative for sustainable results.
In her remark, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Elizabeth Ebosele, described adequate nutrition as a critical factor for growth, development, and productivity. She said the Edo State Government’s collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners in ensuring that no child in Edo State suffers from malnutrition is a worthy effort that will improve the quality of life and economic performance of the population.
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 is central to economic growth and human capital development, while pointing out that malnutrition continues to pose serious challenges, especially among women and children, resulting in stunted growth, reduced productivity, and increased vulnerability to diseases.
According to her, the new plan focuses on improving access to nutritious food, promoting maternal and child health, strengthening local food systems, and building community awareness about balanced diets. She said the government is committed to ensuring that the plan is effectively implemented in all local government areas to achieve long-term health and development benefits.
The State Nutrition Officer, Mrs. Phil-Imade Amenze Nekpen, gave an overview of the current nutrition situation in Edo State, highlighting the high prevalence of anaemia among children under five years and women of reproductive age as a major concern. She identified poverty, poor public health conditions, and disruptions to food systems as the main causes of malnutrition.
Representatives of UNICEF, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, in their goodwill messages, commended the Edo State Government for its proactive approach to improving nutrition and pledged continued support to ensure effective implementation of the plan.
The UNICEF Officer in Charge of Lagos Office, Mr. Muhammad Okorie, described the launch as a clear sign of the State Government’s strong political will and urged the government to provide adequate budgetary support for the plan’s implementation. He said UNICEF will continue to partner with the state in its effort to achieve sustainable nutrition and health outcomes.
Also speaking, the WHO State Coordinator, Dr. Eyo Nora, encouraged the State Government to leverage available funding platforms to scale up interventions across communities, while emphasizing the importance of monitoring and data collection to track progress.
Similarly, the NPHCDA State Coordinator, Mr. Lawani Osawe, praised the Edo State Government for its consistent strides in health and nutrition initiatives. He described the Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action as another milestone in the government’s effort to improve public health and promote sustainable development.
Highlights of the event included the official unveiling of the Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (2025–2029) and the investiture of His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, as Nutrition Ambassador and Best Performing Governor by the Nutrition Society of Nigeria for his role in 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 Civil Society Organizations.
