Gov Lawal launches Zamfara nutrition council

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has launched the state’s Nutrition 774 Initiative, a community-driven, multi-sectoral programme designed to improve nutrition outcomes across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. In a statement, the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the council will oversee and coordinate sustainable nutrition activities across Zamfara State. Speaking at the launch in […]

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has launched the state’s Nutrition 774 Initiative, a community-driven, multi-sectoral programme designed to improve nutrition outcomes across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

In a statement, the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the council will oversee and coordinate sustainable nutrition activities across Zamfara State.

Speaking at the launch in Gusau, Governor Lawal described malnutrition as not just a health challenge but an economic barrier and a major threat to human capital development.

He said the new council represents a strategic move to strengthen the state’s foundation by prioritizing child health and nutrition.

“We cannot build a secure and prosperous Zamfara on a foundation of poor nutrition. Investing in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life is the single most significant investment we can make in this state’s future,” Lawal stated.

He noted that the N774 Initiative’s community-based approach recognizes the link between nutrition, health, agriculture, education, and social protection, adding that it aligns with his administration’s Rescue Agenda.

“We have formally constituted the Zamfara State Council on Nutrition, giving it full authority to set policy, coordinate efforts, and supervise all nutrition activities,” he said.

Lawal urged national and international partners to support the initiative’s rollout, pledging the state government’s full commitment and resources to ensure its success.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Mrs. Uju Rochas Anwukah, commended the governor’s leadership, noting that the N774 Initiative aims to strengthen both local and national nutrition systems to achieve a well-nourished, healthy Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Zamfara government has conducted ten phases of its Free Modified Medical Outreach Programme, treating 3,447 residents across the state.

According to Idris, the outreach—launched in July 2023—provides free medical services, including cataract surgeries, hernia and hydrocele repairs, vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) operations, and health education. Treatments were carried out at Yariman Bakura Special Hospital, General Hospital Gusau, Eye Centre Gusau, and Farida Hospital.

The initiative, which uses tele-screening technology to reach rural patients, has recorded 1,659 cases of groin swellings and lumps, 1,081 cataract procedures, and 118 VVF and rectal fistula repairs, marking a significant step toward improving access to quality healthcare in Zamfara.