The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has been inaugurated as Chairman of the Rivers State Council on Nutrition by Vice President Kashim Shettima, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to a unified, coordinated approach to tackling malnutrition and improving public health in the state.
The inauguration, held on Monday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, also featured the swearing-in of ten other council members by Mrs. Uju Rochas-Anwukah, Senior Special Assistant on Health in the Presidency, Office of the Vice President.
In his address, Vice Admiral Ibas underscored the strategic importance his administration places on healthcare, disclosing that 10.8% of the state’s 2025 budget has been allocated to the health sector.
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He emphasized that this financial commitment reflects the government’s resolve to deliver quality, accessible, and sustainable healthcare services to all residents of Rivers State.
“Our commitment is not just financial—it is strategic and action-driven, this administration has approved the establishment of dedicated Nutrition Departments and the creation of a nutrition budget line in all relevant ministries. This ensures that nutrition is mainstreamed across sectors and given the financial priority it deserves.” The Administrator declared.
To further strengthen implementation, Vice Admiral Ibas revealed that he has directed the establishment of dedicated nutrition units in key ministries, ensuring effective alignment with budgetary provisions and program execution.
Public-Private Partnerships to Revitalize Healthcare
As part of broader efforts to enhance healthcare delivery, the Rivers State Government has entered into public-private partnerships (PPPs) to reactivate critical health facilities, including:
The Mother and Child Hospital
The Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Diagnostic Centre.
“These partnerships with reputable firms are designed to ensure world-class service delivery, improve access to specialized care, and guarantee long-term sustainability,” he stated.
Boosting Food Security & Agricultural Development
Recognizing the link between nutrition and food security, the Administrator announced renewed efforts to revitalize the state’s agricultural sector, including:
Reactivating the Songhai Integrated Farms in Bonu Tai Community
Revitalizing the Rivers Cassava Processing Company Limited in Oyigbo
Other agro-industrial initiatives to empower local farmers and reduce dependency on food imports
“These interventions—institutional strengthening, healthcare reform, agricultural revitalization, and community-level engagement—are fully aligned with the Nutrition 774 Initiative. They reflect our holistic understanding that nutrition security is built on strong health systems, resilient food systems, and targeted community interventions”. He explained.
Malnutrition: A Silent Killer That Must Be Tackled
The Administrator described malnutrition as “Nigeria’s most silent killer,” stressing that it undermines human potential and economic progress.
“We cannot build a prosperous state on an empty stomach. Malnutrition—whether under nutrition, over nutrition, or micronutrient deficiencies—slowly destroys more dreams than conflict.” The Administrator said.
He assured that the Rivers State Council on Nutrition will work assiduously, relying on data-driven strategies and proper coordination to save lives and strengthen the foundation of the state.
Federal Government’s Nutrition 774 Initiative
In her remarks, Mrs. Uju Rochas-Anwukah highlighted that the Nutrition 774 Initiative is a government-driven strategy to combat malnutrition nationwide.
She lamented the rising number of under-five deaths due to acute malnutrition, calling it a “slow-moving emergency” that demands urgent action.
“The Council is charged with implementing the objectives of this initiative, which seeks to empower communities to take action against malnutrition through strengthened grassroots structures,” she added.
The Administrator reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions, ensuring that Rivers State leads in the fight against malnutrition and its devastating consequences.
“Together, we will build a healthier, stronger, and more prosperous Rivers State,” he concluded.