In a significant stride toward a healthier future, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, with the support of the Enugu State Government, organized the first quarter meeting of 2026 for the State Committee on Food and Nutrition (SCFN) and the Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition (LGCFN). This joint session, marked a transformative beginning for the state’s nutrition agenda. The gathering opened with an inspiring keynote from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Chairman of the SCFN, Mrs. Clara Nwakaego Eze, who took a moment to warmly commend the Honourable Commissioner, Barr. Chris-Roberts Ozongwu. She lauded his unwavering commitment to food and nutrition programs, noting that these joint efforts are not merely administrative tasks but essential actions to safeguard the health and security of every community.
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Permanent Secretary Min of Budget and Economic Planning and Chairman of the SCFN
​Building on this vision of shared prosperity, Mrs. Eze emphasized that this gathering represents a firm promise to the people of Enugu: a commitment to ensuring that no child, mother, or family is left behind in the pursuit of a healthier future. She reminded those in attendance that “a healthy nation is a wealthy nation,” setting a high standard for the technical discussions that followed. To provide a clear roadmap for these goals, the State Nutrition Officer (SNO), Mrs. Liveth Onwuzulike, meticulously outlined the meeting’s objectives, which centered on reviewing progress from previous years and the first quarter of 2026. The aim was clear: to bridge the gap between State and Local Government implementations and develop actionable plans that translate into better nutrition outcomes for all citizens.
UNICEF Nutrition Specialist
The State Nutrition Officer (SNO)
​The gravity of this mission was further underscored during a compelling presentation by the SNO regarding the current nutrition landscape in Enugu. She highlighted the sobering reality of how malnutrition negatively impacts individual well-being and societal growth, identifying poverty as a major driving force behind these challenges. This analysis served as a vital call to action, reminding stakeholders that addressing nutrition requires a deep understanding of the economic factors that affect the lives of the most vulnerable.
This local perspective was then broadened by Mrs. Ngozi Onuora, a UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, who elaborated on the Nutrition 774 Intervention. She expressed deep appreciation for the Enugu State Government’s proactive engagement with the UNICEF Child Nutrition Fund, an initiative designed to enhance governance and awareness at the local level. Mrs. Onuora reminded the assembly that nutrition is truly multisectoral touching upon Health, Agriculture, Education, and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and emphasized the urgency of the task by noting that “a hungry child is an angry child.” Her insights focused on the necessity of strengthening the coordination between the SCFN and LGCFN to ensure these interventions reach every corner of the state.
​The day’s deliberations culminated in a robust and interactive session where members of both committees engaged in a spirited exchange of questions and answers. This dialogue was essential for clarifying roles, responsibilities, and immediate action points, ensuring that every participant left with a sharp focus on their priorities. On behalf of the Honourable Commissioner, the meeting concluded with a renewed dedication to the children of Enugu State, affirming that the path to a wealthy nation begins with the health and vitality of its people.