The Edo State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is set to launch the Edo State Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (2025–2029). The initiative, driven by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, aims to strengthen food security, promote food safety, and improve nutrition outcomes across the state.

The announcement was made by the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and Chairman of the State Committee on Food and Nutrition (SCFN), Mr. Kingsley Ogbodu, during the committee’s 2025 third-quarter review and appraisal meeting held in Benin City.

Mr. Ogbodu stated that the new plan is designed to guide the implementation of nutrition-sensitive programs and interventions by all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across Edo State’s 18 Local Government Areas. He said, “The Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action will serve as a roadmap for coordinating efforts that address food and nutrition challenges. It will support every MDA in executing policies and programs that enhance food security and nutrition for all.”

In his remarks, Mr. Ogbodu explained that the plan focuses on improving food and nutrition outcomes, particularly among children and vulnerable groups. He added that it will help mobilize stakeholders, strengthen partnerships, and raise public awareness on the importance of coordinated actions in achieving food sufficiency and food safety. He commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his commitment to promoting nutrition and food safety through the SHINE Agenda, describing it as a strong step toward achieving sustainable food systems in Edo State.

During the meeting, representatives from various MDAs presented progress reports on ongoing programs that align with the state’s food and nutrition priorities. Among the initiatives discussed was the Back-to-Farm Initiative, which encourages citizens to return to agriculture through cluster farming. The program supports cooperative production, improves access to food, and promotes agricultural value-chain development across the state.

Reports from the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) were also reviewed, highlighting ongoing training and capacity-building for farmers to adopt modern, sustainable, and nutrition-sensitive practices. Members of the committee expressed confidence that these programs will increase agricultural productivity, improve livelihoods, and enhance nutrition outcomes, especially in rural communities.

Engr. Ufumwen Asemota, representing the Edo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (STRUWASSA), noted that the government has begun efforts to expand access to clean and potable water to support food safety and nutrition. She said, “Access to safe water is essential for healthy living and sustainable agriculture. Continued investment in water infrastructure will help households and farmers while promoting sanitation in our communities.”

Mr. Osayande Isaac from the Ministry of Science and Technology commended the state government for reintroducing the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. He stated, “The renewed sanitation program, especially in markets and food processing areas, is helping to maintain hygiene standards and ensure that food sold and consumed is safe.”

The committee also raised concerns about the rising use of chemicals for artificial fruit ripening and other food items, warning about their harmful effects on human health. Members called for continuous sensitization and stronger collaboration among stakeholders to promote best practices and ensure long-term food security.

The Edo State Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (2025–2029) was developed through a participatory process involving relevant MDAs, development partners, academia, civil society organizations, and the private sector. The five-year plan is expected to be officially launched in October 2025.

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to rebuild lives and restore livelihoods affected by insecurity, describing the World Bank–supported Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities (SOLID) project as a timely and strategic intervention that will bring lasting peace and renewed hope to affected communities.

Governor Radda made this known when he received the World Bank Task Team Leader for the SOLID Project, Mr. Christopher Mays Johnson, and the Senior Social Development Specialist, Hajiya Zarah Goni Imam, at Katsina House, Asokoro, Abuja. The visit, according to officials, was part of preparatory activities for the full commencement of the SOLID Project, which aims to enhance resilience and provide sustainable support for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and their host communities across Northern Nigeria.

The delegation was introduced by the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Development Management Board (KTDMB), Dr. Mustapha Shehu.

Governor Radda commended the World Bank for its consistent partnership with Katsina State, stressing that despite the severe challenges caused by insecurity and rural displacement, the state has continued to make progress through peace-driven initiatives. He noted that the SOLID Project comes at a critical time when the government is working to rebuild infrastructure, restore public confidence, and support those affected by violence and displacement.

He explained that over the past few months, several armed groups had voluntarily approached affected communities to seek peace accords and coexistence arrangements, marking what he described as a positive shift toward local stability. “Today, I can confidently say criminality has drastically reduced across our major flashpoints,” the Governor said. “We are now concentrating on rebuilding schools, hospitals, and water facilities that were destroyed during the crisis.”

The Governor disclosed that his administration has launched a rehabilitation and reintegration programme for repentant bandits who have voluntarily laid down their arms. The initiative, he said, provides livestock, vocational training, and economic support to help them rebuild their lives and reintegrate peacefully into society.

He further highlighted the ongoing partnership between Katsina State and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Jibia, where 152 housing units, vocational centres, and livelihood support programmes are being developed for displaced families. “The SOLID project perfectly aligns with our vision,” he said. “We want it to reflect the real needs of our people, focusing on welfare, recovery, and economic empowerment rather than weapons.”

Governor Radda emphasized that lasting peace can only be achieved by addressing the root causes of insecurity such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunity. He stated that the government is working to empower rural farmers and youth through various agricultural and vocational schemes designed to boost local productivity and improve income levels. “If we strengthen rural productivity and empower our farmers, who make up more than 90 percent of our population, peace will naturally take hold,” he added.

In his remarks, the World Bank Task Team Leader, Mr. Christopher Mays Johnson, praised Katsina State for its proactive readiness and commitment toward implementing the SOLID project. He confirmed that the project had been approved by the World Bank Board on August 7, 2025, and that the loan signing process through the Federal Ministry of Finance was already underway.

Mr. Johnson also revealed that the World Bank was planning an initial coordination mission in mid-November 2025, during which all participating states would formally commence project implementation. “Katsina has demonstrated strong readiness and commitment, and the Bank is fully prepared to support both the State and the Federal Government in delivering this vital programme,” he said.

He explained that each participating state would establish a Project Coordinating Unit (PCU) focusing on infrastructure, livelihoods, and social development, while a third component would be managed at the federal level. He assured that the minor pending readiness issues would not delay the project’s commencement.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Development Management Board, Dr. Mustapha Shehu, commended the World Bank for its continued engagement and support. He said that under Governor Radda’s leadership, the State Government had approved substantial counterpart funding for the SOLID Project and had domesticated its State IDP Policy to align with national frameworks.

Dr. Shehu also praised the Governor’s inclusive governance approach, noting his approval of 30 percent women participation in all State development programmes and his preference for a host-community resettlement model over camp-based living. “This model ensures that displaced persons own permanent homes, not temporary shelters,” he said.

In her remarks, the Senior Social Development Specialist at the World Bank, Hajiya Zarah Goni Imam, commended Katsina’s strong leadership and sense of ownership of the SOLID initiative. She urged continued collaboration between the World Bank and the State Government to ensure the project’s timely completion within its 20-month implementation window. “Katsina has shown remarkable commitment, and we are determined to ensure this phase achieves tangible results,” she said.

The World Bank delegation assured the Katsina State Government of its continued partnership and technical support to guarantee the successful rollout of the SOLID project. The initiative is expected to deliver lasting social and economic recovery for displaced persons and their host communities, with an emphasis on livelihood creation, infrastructure rehabilitation, and community resilience.