Nutrition: Dangote Foundation stresses role of religious, traditional institutions

Nutrition: Dangote Foundation stresses role of religious, traditional institutions

Mrs Zouera Youssoufou of the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has underscored the pivotal role of religious and traditional institutions in tackling the pressing issues of malnutrition and hunger within Nigeria.

Youssoufou, who is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of foundation, was speaking at the National Council on Nutrition and the World Bank-Assisted Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria Project in Abuja.

She emphasised the significance of faith-based groups in the national agenda for improving nutrition and human capital development in Nigeria.

During the high-level dialogue on nutrition with the theme ‘Faith Leaders as Catalysts for Enhanced Human Capital Through Nutrition,’ Youssoufou said that nutrition goes beyond mere sustenance.

“It is about nurturing the body, mind, and spirit.”

She emphasized that adequate nutrition forms the cornerstone of human capital development.

Youssoufou painted a grim picture of the situation in Nigeria, where malnutrition significantly hampers the nation’s progress.

She pointed out that children are particularly vulnerable, suffering from stunted growth, cognitive impairments, and increased susceptibility to diseases due to inadequate nutrition.

She stressed that malnutrition’s consequences extended beyond physical health to affect educational achievements, economic productivity, and overall well-being.

“Urgent and concerted action from all sectors of society is imperative to address this crisis,” she said.

Youssoufou said that faith leaders have a unique position to play in addressing malnutrition with their grassroots reach and influence, in driving positive change in nutrition.

“Their teachings on compassion, justice, and stewardship can inspire individuals to prioritize good nutrition, support vulnerable populations, and advocate for policies promoting food security.”

By leveraging the collective power of faith communities, Youssoufou called for a culture of health and wellness that values nutritious diets, breastfeeding, and access to essential nutrients.

She urged educational programmes, awareness campaigns, and community engagement to empower individuals to make informed dietary choices.

She added that faith leaders can serve as advocates for policy changes to address systemic barriers to good nutrition, such as food insecurity and inequitable access to healthcare services.

“By advocating for greater investment in nutrition-sensitive programs, they can create an enabling environment for improving health outcomes nationwide.”

Earlier, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said malnutrition and related challenges have over the years negatively impacted human capital development, requiring accelerated interventions.

The Minister described the efforts and interventions of the National Economic Council and the engagement with faith-based leaders as testimonies that Nigeria has the institutional mechanism to combat hunger and malnutrition with their associated challenges.

On his part, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, said the engagement with faith-based leaders was not just a dialogue but a clarion call for action to address one of society’s most disturbing challenges.

Pate called on religious and traditional leaders to leverage their network and influence in society to support the government in combating hunger and malnutrition.

He described faith-based leaders as the backbone of their communities, hence their importance in improving the nutritional outcomes in their various domains.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Dr Daniel Okoh, pledged the commitment of their communities and congregations to the efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition in the country, stating that their presence at the event underscored their loyalty to the campaign.

The dialogue aimed to facilitate the sharing of insights, best practices, and innovative solutions among faith leaders to drive progress in nutrition and human capital enhancement in Nigeria.

It called for unity transcending religious divides to work towards a healthier, more prosperous nation.(NAN)
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