Cross River To Promote Children\’s Health and Nutrition Advocacy

As CS-SUNN Visits Wife Of The Governor

The Wife of the Governor, Cross River State, Rev. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, has played host to the ‘Civil Societies- Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria ( CS- SUNN)’ in an effort to strengthen child nutrition and healthy living in the state.

The visit was to take stock of the successful implementation of vital nutrition and health programs across the State, because malnutrition affects mostly pregnant Women and Children, especially within the first 1000 days of a child’s life from pregnancy till the second birthday.

Speaking during the visit, the Governor\’s wife,Reverend Eyoanwan Bassey Otu commended the NGO for working in Cross River State to improve nutrition and health of the Children and women across the eighteen local government areas.

She reaffirmed her unwavering support for the critical programmes and emphasized the significant role women play in ensuring the success.

\”There\’s no question that these initiatives are crucial, and women are central to their achievement. We will keep finding our voices and offering the most effective solutions for our state\’s nutrition and health programs\” she said.

The Special Adviser on Gender Mainstreaming and State Nutrition Advocacy Lead, Dr Inyang Asibong who led the Civil Societies- Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria ( CS- SUNN) partners to an advocacy engagement with the Wife of Governor, described the meeting as productive.

Dr. Asibong outlined the State’s ongoing efforts to improve the nutritional and health well-being of her citizens as a key programme in Governor Otu\’s government.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, State Planning Commission, Lady Mbong Ausaji reiterated the commitment of the Commission under the leadership of Dr Bong Duke to work towards Government’s extension of paid maternity leave from 4 to 6 months to achieve the 6 months Exclusive Breastfeeding benchmark.

She expressed their appreciation to the State Governor for approving the allocation of funds for essential nutrition services across the State.

Those who were part of the visit includes Mrs. Nkem Ubana, Head, Department of Nutrition, SPC; Mr Kebe Ikpi of the Child Protection Network and Mrs. Grace Egwu, Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilization.

The State Nutrition coordination is domiciled within the State Planning Commission and CS- SUNN, a Non- Governmental Organization made up of Government and Non- Government stakeholders, plays a crucial role in driving the policy.

The meeting underscored the State Government\’s unwavering commitment to strengthening policy initiatives and achieving positive health outcomes for all residents.