Food Security: IWCC Advocates Introduction Of “Operation Feed Yourself In Nigeria” 

The International Women Communication Centre (IWCC) has advocated for the introduction of an “Operation Feed Yourself” initiative to enhance food security.

According to the centre, such will reduce the hardship most homes now face to feed their loved ones due to the present high cost of food items in the country.

 

The call was made at the end of a one-day training session for media personnel held in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, where participants emphasized the need for policies discouraging deforestation, promoting tree planting, and ensuring access to affordable clean energy.

 

It also urged all tiers of government to take immediate action on environmental and gender-related challenges.

 

 

The centre stressed the need to return of local sanitary inspectors (Wole Wole) to improve public hygiene.

 

Addressing sanitation concerns, the IWCC highlighted the urgent need for more public toilets to curb open defecation and improve public health.

 

The meeting noted that inadequate sanitation facilities contribute to the spread of diseases and called for immediate government intervention.

 

Participants stressed that improving public hygiene infrastructure would significantly reduce health risks and promote a cleaner environment.

 

On gender-based violence, the IWCC called for the criminalization of ritual killings and urged religious leaders to promote morality while discouraging materialism in their teachings.

 

They also emphasized the need to educate male children on the implications of gender-based violence and recommended the introduction of guidance and counseling programs in schools.

 

Additionally, the group stressed the importance of good co-parenting and the regulation of social media content that promotes ritualism and harmful social vices.

 

The meeting reviewed the achievements of the Beijing Conference 30 years after its inception, noting progress in girl-child education, women’s political representation, and economic empowerment.

 

However, concerns were raised over the persistent rise in gender-based violence, the increase in single motherhood, high youth unemployment, and the failure to meet the 35% benchmark for women’s political appointments.

 

Participants acknowledged that while gains had been made, more efforts were needed to bridge existing gaps.

 

To address these challenges, the IWCC called on the United Nations and other global organizations to invest more in women’s economic empowerment.

 

They also urged stronger measures to boost women’s participation in politics and leadership roles, emphasizing that sustained global and local efforts are necessary to achieve gender equality and inclusive development.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oyenike Oyeniyi