The Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Acharu Okpanachi says proper nutrition enhances cognitive development, boost immunity and sets the stage for a healthy life in children.
The Commissioner stated this in a welcome address at a sensitization programme on the theme, “Impact of Nutrition on Children Development ‘ organized by the Nutrition Department of the ministry in Lokoja.
Proper nutrition is fundamental to a child’s development, directly influencing brain function, physical growth, and immune system strength from infancy to adolescence.
A balanced diet rich in iron, protein, and vitamins ensures optimal cognitive development, better school performance, and emotional well-being.
Conversely, poor nutrition can lead to stunted growth, developmental delays, and long-term learning disabilities.
Speaking at the event,Mrs Acharu Okpanachi noted that as leaders and caregivers, mothers are to learn to prioritize Nutrition to give the children the best start in life stressing that as a state, the Ministry has seen the impact of Nutrition on the Development of the child.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Director Administration in the Ministry, Mrs Olubola Jane Alege called for the need for collective collaboration in creating awareness, provide education as well as empower caregivers and nursing mothers.
According to her, the Programme marks a turning point in the collective effort to prioritize child Nutrition noting that together, malnutrition can be reduced, improve health outcomes and unlock the potential of the children.
In her welcome address, the host of the Programme and Director, Nutrition, Mrs Mary Aiyesimi stressed that in Nigeria, the future of the nation rest on the shoulders of the children saying their growth, health and development are crucial to the progress of the country.
Mrs Mary Aiyesimi noted that as mothers gather to explore how nutrition shapes even the children’s potential to contribute to society, adequate nutrition in the early years of a child would lay the foundation for a healthy and productive life.
The lead presenters, A Nutritionionist from ministry of Health, Mrs Funmilola Alapo and a Nutritionist and Assistant Director from the Kogi State Primary HealthCare Development Agency, Mr Shaibu Mohammed stressed the need for Exclusive Breastfeeding, benefits and attachments as well as Complementary feeding, timely, hygiene and responsive feeding as part of developments that makes a child healthy at all times.
In their goodwill messages, the state Project Coordinator and Director Nutrition, Ministry of Health, Mr Bolarinwa Ogundusi and the Acting Chairman of the state Committee on food and Nutrition and Director of Planning,Mr Abubakar Musa, defined Nutrition as the bedrock of Development in every child and advised every woman to adopt the principle of a good nutritious habit at all times.
The event was attended by several Directors and Deputy Directors from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
Joseph Adama
Information Officer
Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development
