By Grace Onwukwe
Idemili North and South Local Governments have inaugurated Committees on Food and Nutrition as part of efforts to combat malnutrition in their communities. This aligns with the Federal Government’s IN-774 Initiative, which seeks to ensure a well-nourished Nigeria by promoting access to adequate nutrition for healthy living and sustainable development.
The inauguration, which took place on October 1, 2025, at Ogidi and Ojoto (the headquarters of the two LGAs), reflects the government’s bottom-up approach to addressing malnutrition. The initiative emphasizes the promotion of natural food sources, balanced diets, and the prevention of stunting, wasting, and obesity among children, as well as anaemia in pregnant women.
Dr. Rose Amasiani, the State Nutrition Officer, officially inaugurated the committees on behalf of the State Government, with authority from the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake (State Focal Person, Steering Committee on Food and Nutrition), and the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Chinyere Nwabachili (Chairman, State Council on Food and Nutrition).
Members of the Idemili North Committee are: Hon. Nkwoka Stanley Chigbo – Mayor, Idemili North LGA, Hon. Phina Onwuachu – Deputy Mayor (Chairman of the Committee), Nkwoka Ebere Chinyere – Member, Engr. Emeka Achikwu – Head, Local Government Administration, Ugbagu D.C. (JP) – Head, Personnel Management, Ifenu Olisa – Treasurer IDNLGA, Azifuaku U.K. – HOD, Agriculture, Ifeoma Okonkwo – HOD, Planning, Dr. Nkem Okeke – Supervisory Councillor, Health, and Dr. Ezigbo Onwuekwe – Secretary of the Committee.
Other memberse Chinedu Okwuosa, Oby Kogulu, Ozioma Okudo, Ikenna Felix Enendu and Josephine Obi.
The inaugurated members of the Idemili South Committee are: Hon. Ifeanyi Anakuba – Deputy Mayor (Chairman of the Committee), Hon. Ofido Evaristus Omega – Secretary, IDSLGA, Hon. Eriobu Ifeanyi – Supervisor, Health, Hon. Orji Vic Okoye – HLGA, Nwosu Gloria Oby – Information Department, Comrade Nnamdi Nweke – Director, Social Services, Comrade Ononye Patrick (JP) – Head, Personnel Management, Ewelukwa Amaka – HOD, Agriculture, Ekwealor Monica – Nutrition Focal Person, Onochie Evelyn O. – Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, Umeukeje Ifeyinwa – Admin, Health, Uzuagu Chinelo – Dietician, General Hospital, and Alokwu Josephine – Director, Health, Ezeama Maureen N -Treasurer.
In her remarks, Dr. Amasiani emphasized that nutrition is a key pillar in combating hunger and poverty in Nigeria. She explained that the multi-level committee structure—from national to local governments—was designed to strengthen grassroots interventions using the Mother, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) approach.
She noted that Nigeria ranks first in Africa for malnutrition and eighth globally, with 40% of children wasted and 60% of pregnant women anaemic. Stressing that nutrition is “everybody’s business,” she urged the committees to expand membership to include philanthropists and stakeholders.
Also to secure a dedicated budget line for nutrition, implement interventions and hold quarterly review meetings.
In addition, to create a WhatsApp platform for coordination, and submit regular reports to the state and national levels.
She further highlighted that the Governor’s Nutrition Scorecard is a key benchmark for assessing state performance and expressed optimism that these LGA committees would help improve Anambra State’s standing.
In their voice reactions, the Mayor of Idemili North, Hon. Nkwoka Stanley Chigbo, praised Governor Soludo for prioritizing nutrition and pledged full support for the committee’s activities. His Deputy, Hon. Phina Onwuachu, assured that the committee would diligently deliver on its mandate to combat malnutrition.
Similarly, the HLGA, Engr. Emeka Achikwu, pledged that the committee would intensify grassroots sensitization without leaving gaps in service delivery.
At Idemili South, the Mayor, Dr. Amaka Obi who was represented by her Deputy, Hon. Ifeanyi Anakuba expressed joy at the inauguration and assured of her support to ensure healthy living for all residents.
Delivering a vote of thanks, Hon. Orji Vic Okoye (HLGA) stressed that no community would be left behind in the fight against food insecurity, malnutrition, and anaemia, while encouraging residents to return to natural, locally available foods.
Other state team members present at the inauguration include: Doris Chioma Ejike – Nutrition Desk Officer, ADP and Grace Onwukwe – Desk Officer, Ministry of Information.
Grace is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
