The Rivers State Government has unveiled a multi-sectoral plan to combat malnutrition through strengthened health systems, sustainable food production, and community-led interventions.
At the Rivers State Nutrition 774 TownHall Stakeholders’ Workshop, themed “Strengthening Capacity to Drive Action for Nutrition Delivery”, Administrator Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, represented by Secretary to the State Government Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, formally launched the initiative. He said the programme unites government agencies, communities, and development partners under one coordinated framework with “clear priorities, reliable data, sustainable financing, and a commitment to reaching every household.”
Key measures include allocating 10.8% of the 2025 state budget to health, creating Nutrition Departments and budget lines across ministries, and revitalizing facilities such as the Mother and Child Hospital and the Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Diagnosis Center. On food systems, the government is revamping the Songhai Integrated Farm and reactivating the Rivers State Cassava Processing Plant in Oyigbo.
Federal officials, including Mrs. Uju Rochas-Anwukah from the Presidency, lauded the effort, calling malnutrition a national emergency. Traditional leaders and local government administrators pledged to extend the campaign to rural areas, with the Rivers State Council on Nutrition set to coordinate data-driven implementation.
Vice Admiral Ibas urged united action, stating: “We must act now, with urgency and unity, to secure a healthier, stronger future for our people.”
