Aliko Dangote Foundation Urges Faith Leaders to Address Malnutrition in Nigeria.
By Patience Ikpeme
In a resounding declaration of commitment to combat malnutrition and hunger across Nigeria, the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has emphasized the indispensable role of religious and traditional institutions.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mrs. Zouera Youssoufou, highlighted this imperative during a high-level dialogue on nutrition held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Themed ‘Faith Leaders as Catalysts for Enhanced Human Capital Through Nutrition,’ the event convened by the National Council on Nutrition and the World Bank-Assisted Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria Project, served as a platform for Mrs. Youssoufou to underscore the multifaceted importance of nutrition in human capital development. She elucidated that malnutrition’s consequences extend far beyond physical health, profoundly impacting educational achievements, economic productivity, and overall well-being.
Painting a stark picture of Nigeria’s nutrition landscape, Mrs. Youssoufou pointed out the grave repercussions of malnutrition, particularly on children, who suffer from stunted growth, cognitive impairments, and heightened susceptibility to diseases due to inadequate nutrition. Urgent, concerted action from all sectors of society, she emphasized, is imperative to address this crisis.
Central to Mrs. Youssoufou’s discourse was the pivotal role of faith leaders in driving positive change in nutrition. Leveraging their grassroots reach and influence, she proposed fostering a culture of health and wellness through educational programs, awareness campaigns, and community engagement. Faith leaders, she emphasized, can serve as advocates for policy changes to address systemic barriers to good nutrition, thereby creating an enabling environment for improving health outcomes nationwide.
The dialogue aimed not only to facilitate knowledge sharing but also to call for unity transcending religious divides in the collective effort towards a healthier, more prosperous nation. Vice President Kashim Shettima, the host of the event, underscored the indispensable role of faith and traditional leaders in improving nutrition within their communities. He stressed the crucial need for their participation and endorsement in national endeavors to combat hunger and malnutrition.
Echoing Vice President Shettima’s sentiments, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, highlighted the negative impact of malnutrition on human capital development, stressing the need for accelerated interventions. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, emphasized the urgency of the engagement with faith-based leaders, characterizing it as a clarion call for action to address one of society’s most pressing challenges.
The pledge of commitment came not only from government officials but also from religious leaders. The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Dr. Daniel Okoh, affirmed their communities’ dedication to combating hunger and malnutrition, underscoring their loyalty to the campaign.
In closing, the event not only emphasized the critical importance of nutrition in human capital development but also showcased the collective determination of stakeholders from diverse sectors to address Nigeria’s nutrition challenges comprehensively. With faith leaders and traditional institutions at the forefront, the nation stands poised to embark on a transformative journey towards a healthier, more nourished future.
