Anambra: Federal Ministry Of Finance Holds Workshop On Food Security

In Anambra State a one day zonal consultation workshop on the development of implementation strategy for the food systems transformation pathways in South East, was held on Thursday in Awka the state capital.

Declaring the workshop open Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi said the programme was in line with the second pillar of his administration’s focus which has to do with industrialization and economic transformation in ensuring that the state becomes the food basket of the nation.

He pointed out that the administration on assumption of office launched coconut and farm seedlings that will mature in four years and distributed it to Anambrarians to become part of the programme.

Professor Soludo maintained that the workshop is basically changing the whole systems to achieve healthier, sustainable and equitable food systems thereby ensuring food security and optimal nutrition for all as well as meet the socio-economic goals of reducing poverty and inequality in Nigeria.

Addressing the participants, Ms Chiamaka Nnake, Commissioner for Budget And Economic Planning in Anambra, said the State was excited to host a workshop that was focused on strengthening food systems across Southern Nigeria.

Nnake said the transformation exercise would create a healthier, more sustainable and equitable food system that will ensure food security and optimal nutrition for all citizens.

“In Anambra, we understand the critical role that food systems can play in supporting the growth of our economy and the livelihood of Anambra people.

“We expect that these initiatives will cause a significant reduction in the number of people without access to food, decline in food-related disease, and improve the livelihoods of people,” she said.

For the State Commissioner For Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, the United Nations,UN,food system transformation agenda is an ambitious plan aimed at transforming global food production and consumption system to ensure sustainable food security, improved nutrition and economic development while also protecting the environment.

Also addressing participants in a keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry Of Budget and National Planning, Engr Nebolisa Anako represented by Mr Okechukwu Ezekwesili,maintained that it is important that the food transformation agenda calls for conserted efforts of everyone including the state, local government, private sector and development partners as food security is a critical aspect of life and therefore all should work collaboratively,to ensure adequate food and nutritional security.

In his presentations on the objectives of the workshop, the National Convener, UN Food Systems, Dr Sanjo Faniran said to achieve a food system that is inclusive, efficient resilient and sustainable to deliver quality diet and livelihood, stakeholders should play their roles effectively and in collaboration with others

Faniran is also the National Convener for Implementation for United Nations Action Plan for Food System Transformation Pathways.

The Convener who declared Anambra as co-converner of the programme in Southeast, said Soludo’s acceptance to host the workshop was an indication of his desire to key into the Federal Government’s effort to ensure food security.

He said the workshop was to generate inputs from the 17 Southern States into the national implementation strategy in order to produce a national document which related with the people and would be easily implementable.

Faniran said ensuring available, nutritious and healthy food was on sure way of guaranteeing a healthy, prosperous and less vulnerable population.

Goodwill messages comes from FAO, IFAD and GAIN all geared towards contributing to the food system transformation agenda and productive cooperation.

Ended with a call for all stakeholders to play their roles in fulfilling the transformation of food systems in the country.

The workshop was powered by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning in collaboration with Anambra State Ministry Of Budget and Economic Planning.

Participants were attracted from line ministries, departments, agencies and non-governmental organizations.