The Chairman of the Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Hon. Akinsuroju Akindolani Nelson hosted the Ondo State Stakeholders’ Meeting on Nutrition and Food Security held at the assembly mini chamber in Akure on Tuesday, 19th of August, 2025.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Hon. Nelson Akinsuroju, emphasized the urgency of the crisis.
Quoting national data, he warned that malnutrition has reached critical levels. “Three in ten children are stunted, two are malnourished, and one wasted. These are not just statistics, they are the future of our nation,” he said.
Akinsuroju explained that the Nutrition 774 Initiative, inaugurated by the Vice President on June 20, 2025, sets out a clear operational framework for federal, state, and local governments.
It focuses on nutrition challenges, intervention areas, monitoring and evaluation, governance structures, and financial resource mobilization.
He added that the committee would ensure timely release of funds, adequate budgetary provision, and grassroots engagement. He also announced that local government nutrition and food security committees will soon be inaugurated in all 18 LGAs of Ondo State.
Declaring the meeting open, the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Olamide Oladiji, described the programme as a bold step in addressing a national emergency.
He also reiterated the commitment of the legislature to tackling malnutrition and food insecurity in the state.
He commended the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Nelson Akinsuroju, and his team for their commitment, urging them to sustain collaboration with MDAs, civil society, and local communities.
The meeting featured goodwill messages from stakeholders across ministries and agencies, who commended the initiative and pledged support:
Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget ,Mr Olaolu Akindolire assured that the state would prioritize nutrition and food security in budgets.
Also, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Leye Akinola highlighted ongoing programmes to boost food production and ensure availability of nutritious food.
According to him Agriculture and Agric Development Projects is also committed to aligning state agricultural policies with food security goals.
Representatives of the Commissioner for Health , education and women affairs and social development described malnutrition as a public health concern, promising expanded maternal and child nutrition services across the state.
They pledged integration of nutrition awareness into schools and reinforcement of school feeding programmes, stressing the need to support vulnerable women and children through targeted social interventions.
Chairman of ALGON,Dr Gbenga Fasua promised the cooperation of all local government chairmen, stressing that interventions must reach grassroots communities.
Representative of the Chairman of SUBEB assured that nutrition awareness would be mainstreamed into basic education while strengthening school meal programmes.
Representatives of the Hospital Management Board and Primary Health Care Agency pledged to intensify early detection, treatment, and referral for malnutrition cases.
At the end of the meeting, participants resolved to foster multi-sectoral collaboration, implement effective programmes, and monitor progress to ensure that malnutrition and food insecurity are drastically reduced in Ondo State.
Stakeholders agreed that the initiative was timely, people-centered, and capable of transforming lives if properly implemented.
