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) aimed at addressing malnutrition and hunger among children and women in the state.
The plan was officially unveiled by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Misbaudeen Babatunde, during an event in Ibadan, where he emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating malnutrition.
Babatunde highlighted that the new food and nutrition policy would provide a framework for tackling food and nutrition security at individual, household, community, local government, and state levels.
He acknowledged UNICEF’s contributions to vulnerable groups in Oyo State and indicated that the government has allocated ₦250 million as its counterpart fund for the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN) project, in addition to ₦100 million for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund project—amounting to a total of ₦350 million dedicated to combating malnutrition.
The commissioner pointed out the concerning rate of stunted growth among malnourished children, expressing hope that effective implementation of this policy would lead to a reduction in these statistics.
He reiterated the administration’s focus on economic growth, employment, and creating a supportive environment for women and children. Furthermore, he mentioned the development of a 20-year Development Plan, titled Agenda 2040, which incorporates diverse inputs from various stakeholders.
UNICEF representative Mr. Boluwatife Ogunjimi informed attendees that approximately 34.5% of children in Oyo State are stunted, linking child mortality to malnutrition and underscoring the importance of good nutrition in preventing child deaths.
The Permanent Secretary, Tunde Ayanleke, assured that the activities outlined in the strategic plan would be effectively implemented, ensuring that resources invested lead to positive outcomes.
He also noted UNICEF’s broad achievements across all sectors in the state.
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