Enugu State transformed into a vibrant hub of nutrition advocacy and local culinary excellence as the Enugu Food Fair successfully commemorated the Nigeria Nutrition Week (NNW) 2025. Under the inspiring theme, “Sustainable Nutrition for a Healthier and Productive Nigeria,” the event brought together state and local governments, development partners, and community leaders for a unified commitment to grassroots health.
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The collaborative effort, spearheaded by the Government of Enugu State and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Enugu, in conjunction with the State and 17 Local Government Committees on Food and Nutrition (LGA-CFN), demonstrated a powerful synergy between policy and community action.
The event began not in a conference hall, but on the streets of Enugu, with a highly energized Flag-Off Campaign. Members of the LGA-CFN, adorned in their vibrant official colours, embarked on an awareness road walk across the city. Their high-spirited movement served as a dynamic prelude, alerting citizens to the crucial activities ahead and literally marching the message of good nutrition into the heart of the metropolis.
Upon the Committee members’ triumphant return, the official programme commenced. The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning Enugu, Barr. Chris-Roberts Ozongwu delivered the Welcome Address. In his opening remarks, he specifically and profusely appreciated the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, for his unwavering support and prioritization of nutrition and food security initiatives. Barr. Ozongwu, described the Food Fair as “a vibrant and critical platform designed to move beyond policy papers and bring the nutrition conversation directly to our plates.” He noted that the annual commemoration of the Nigeria Nutrition Week continues to play a central role in raising national consciousness on the importance of healthy eating and proper diet in nation-building.
He delivered strong commendation to the Deputy Mayors and the Local Government Committees on Food and Nutrition, noting that their presence and impressive displays reflect “a renewed commitment at the grassroots level.” The Commissioner then formally declared the Nigeria Nutrition Week 2025 open, setting a purposeful tone for the week by stressing that investing in sustainable nutrition is the most critical investment a government can make in its people’s future.
Before the exhibition tour, representatives from the Local Government Committees on Food and Nutrition (LGA-CFN) offered their goodwill messages. These were heartfelt testimonials that underscored the local impact of state support. In unison, the LGA-CFN members took the opportunity to express their profound appreciation to His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his consistent and unwavering support that made their participation in the event possible and empowers their work at the community level.
“Fresh, Colourful, and Nutrient-Packed.”
“Celebrating the Sweetness of Healthy Eating.
The fair’s centerpiece was the Enugu Food Fair Exhibition, a spectacular showcase of the State’s agricultural wealth. Each of the 17 Local Government Areas presented a meticulous display of indigenous foods cultivated and prepared within their communities.
Strengthening Diet Diversity Through Local Products.
The Honourable Commissioner’s subsequent tour of the exhibition was a captivating culinary journey. He moved from table to table, engaging in brief but insightful interactions with the LGA-CFN representatives. This direct engagement provided a platform for the LGAs to explain the sustainable farming methods, traditional preparation techniques, and the rich nutritional value of their showcased produce – from unique root crops and native grains to local oils and spices. It was a powerful reminder that the solution to Nigeria’s nutrition challenges lies in celebrating and consuming our local agricultural heritage.
A Heritage of Taste and Nutrition.
Following the tour, the State Nutrition Officer (SNO) Mrs. Loveth Onwuzulike delivered a highly informative session, simplifying complex nutritional science into actionable household advice. She outlined the five notable food groups necessary for a balanced diet, emphasizing the importance of diversity on every plate:
Staple Foods: The energy base, comprising all Cereals, Roots, and Tubers, including Plantain (Carbohydrates).
Legumes: The protein powerhouses.
Animal Source Foods: Essential sources of complete protein and micronutrients.
Fruits and Vegetables: The vital sources of vitamins and minerals.
Fats and Oils: Providing essential fatty acids and energy.
The SNO stressed that groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, form the foundation of the “Four Star Meal” concept. She passionately advised that for a meal to be considered complete and adequate, a choice must be made from each of the five groups. Skipping any group, she cautioned, renders the meal incomplete, leading to nutritional gaps that impair health and productivity.
The success of the day was capped by a special commendation from the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Clara Nwakaego Eze, who also serves as the State Chairman for Food and Nutrition (SCFN). In her capacity as SNC, she heartily thanked the Local Government Committees on Food and Nutrition, praising their visibly high energy, commitment, and effort displayed during the awareness road walk, acknowledging them as the true engine of change in the fight against malnutrition.
The Enugu Food Fair was a resounding triumph, solidifying the commitment to the NNW theme and ensuring that the message of sustainable, healthy, and locally-sourced nutrition resonates deep within every community in Enugu State.