The Oyo State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched a four-year Multi-Sectoral Strategic Plan of Action on Food and Nutrition (OYSMPFAN).
The initiative aims to address malnutrition and hunger among children and women across the state.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Misbaudeen Babatunde, officially launched the project in Ibadan.
Represented by his executive assistant on finance, budget, and economic planning, Gafar Bello, Babatunde reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to eradicating malnutrition.
According to the commissioner, the food and nutrition policy will serve as a guide in tackling food security challenges at multiple levels, from individuals and households to local governments and the state at large.
He acknowledged UNICEF’s contributions to the welfare of children, women, and other vulnerable groups in Oyo State.
As part of its commitment, the state government has allocated ₦250 million as its counterpart fund for the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN) project, a World Bank initiative launched in March 2020.
Additionally, Oyo State has contributed ₦100 million to the Basic Health Care Provision Fund project, bringing its total financial commitment to ₦350 million towards nutrition-focused interventions.
Babatunde emphasized that the newly launched strategy aligns with the policies of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration and is expected to serve as a roadmap for reducing malnutrition rates.
He highlighted concerns over the high percentage of stunted children in the state, expressing optimism that proper implementation of the policy would significantly lower the figure.
The commissioner further stated that the present administration has been working diligently to enhance economic growth, create employment opportunities, and foster an enabling environment for women and children.
He also revealed the development and launch of a home-grown 20-year Development Plan, termed Agenda 2040, which incorporates diverse perspectives from both state and non-state actors.
UNICEF representative, Boluwatife Ogunjimi, reported that the current stunted growth rate in Oyo State stands at approximately 34.5%.
She noted that malnutrition is a major contributor to child mortality and stressed the crucial role of proper nutrition in preventing child deaths.
Speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary Tunde Ayanleke assured UNICEF that the state government would ensure the effective implementation of the strategic plan.
He emphasized that resources allocated to the initiative, including human, material, and financial investments, would be efficiently managed to achieve the desired outcomes.
Ayanleke also highlighted UNICEF’s extensive contributions across various sectors in Oyo State, underscoring the organization’s ongoing partnership in improving the well-being of residents.
