By Becky Maina
The Gombe State Chapter of the Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has intensified advocacy for improved nutrition financing, six months’ paid maternity leave and stronger government collaboration, following advocacy visits to the State Ministries of Information, Strategy and Culture, and Budget and Economic Planning.
The advocacy visits, led by the State Chairperson/Coordinator, Mrs Rebecca Caleb Maina, were aimed at strengthening government commitment to nutrition and promoting increased investment in nutrition interventions across the state.
At the Ministry of Information, Strategy and Culture, the Commissioner, Ambassador Moses Kyari, assured the organisation of the state government’s readiness to support and collaborate with relevant agencies through his ministry in the fight against malnutrition.
Ambassador Kyari described the visit as “timely” and consistent with the health-sector priorities and achievements of the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
He commended CS-SUNN for complementing government’s efforts in addressing malnutrition and urged the organisation to sustain its advocacy and partnership with relevant stakeholders.
Earlier, Ms Maina explained that the delegation was at the ministry to congratulate the Commissioner on his appointment and present CS-SUNN’s key advocacy priorities.
She called for the introduction of six months’ paid maternity leave for nursing mothers, increased budgetary allocation for nutrition and strengthened collaboration among stakeholders.
Ms Maina also emphasised the importance of the Ministry of Information, Strategy and Culture in providing accurate and timely information to the public, noting that the advocacy was part of a UNICEF-supported project aimed at promoting increased investment in nutrition.
At the State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the CS-SUNN delegation was received by the Commissioner, Mr Micah Sunday Heman, alongside the Permanent Secretary and Chairman of the Gombe State Food and Nutrition Committee, Alhaji Ibrahim Jalo Waziri, directors and heads of units.
Ms Maina congratulated the Commissioner and Permanent Secretary on their appointments and commended the state government for what she described as its commitment to addressing nutrition-related concerns.
She particularly appreciated the government’s recent provision of ₦500 million naira for the purchase of ready to use therapeutic food RUFT
According to her, “We are seeking the ministry’s support for increased nutrition financing, the implementation of six months’ paid maternity leave for nursing mothers, and the inclusion of the Nutrition Bill in the state’s annual budget.”
Responding, Commissioner Micah Sunday Heman described the fight against malnutrition as “a collective responsibility” and assured CS-SUNN of the ministry’s readiness to support efforts aimed at addressing the concerns raised.
He said the ministry would continue to support initiatives designed to strengthen nutrition interventions and improve the well-being of citizens across the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Jalo Waziri, who also welcomed the delegation, acknowledged the importance of sustained advocacy and collaboration in addressing nutrition challenges.
He reaffirmed the need for stakeholders to work together to improve nutrition outcomes and strengthen the state’s response to malnutrition.
The advocacy visits form part of CS-SUNN’s ongoing engagement with key government institutions to promote increased investment in nutrition, stronger policy implementation and improved support for mothers and children in Gombe State.