Commissioner harps on proper nutrition for children + Video

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Ogun State, Otunba Adedayo Adeneye has harped on the need to ensure proper nutrition for children to prevent malnutrition. Adedayo spoke on Tuesday at a ‘Media Dialogue on Child Nutrition in South West Nigeria’, organised by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with Ogun State Ministry […]

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Ogun State, Otunba Adedayo Adeneye has harped on the need to ensure proper nutrition for children to prevent malnutrition.

Adedayo spoke on Tuesday at a ‘Media Dialogue on Child Nutrition in South West Nigeria’, organised by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with Ogun State Ministry of Information and Strategy, held in Ibadan, Oyo state.

 

He said the media dialogue was aimed at evolving robust agenda for development, particularly on nutrition.In his keynote address, Adedayo lamented that the nutrition status of Nigerian children has not improved in the last ten years.

Speaking with Daily Trust on the sideline of meeting, Adedayo said "It is fact a that human growth commences from the moment of fertilization or conception, till death, and proper nutrition is germane for this growth, which inadvertently determines the outcome of our life expectancy and the development of the society."

"A well nurtured generation is sure to contribute meaningfully to the society, to engender development. Therefore, nutrition is a complex issue, which requires the participation and involvement of stakeholders at all levels, including the media and all hands must be on deck, especially now that Nigeria is at a critical stage of malnutrition", Adedayo said.

 

 

Blessing Ejiofor, UNICEF Communication Officer addressing participants during the media dialogue in Ibadan, Oyo state today. PHOTOS BY: Hameed Oyegbade

A UNICEF nutrition specialist, Mrs Ada Ezeogu in her presentation exposed journalists to issues around the nutrition status of children in Nigeria.

While addressing the participants, UNICEF Communication Officer, Blessing Ejiofor said adequate nutrition is the right of every child and is key if a child will survive and thrive.

According to her, "19.4 percent of children in Southwest Nigeria are stunted. This figure is worse than the figure for the Southeast and the South-South but better than the North. This calls for more work by everyone, particularly the government, parents and all of us."

Ejiofor charged the media to do more to keep child nutrition conversations on the priority list of those that can act to reverse the ugly trend.

"UNICEF believes that journalists can help set the agenda for action against all forms of child malnutrition – be it severe acute malnutrition or stunting. This, the media can do by creating heightened awareness among leaders and citizens", Ejiofor said.