The Edo State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is gearing up to launch the Edo State Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (2025–2029) — a comprehensive framework designed to strengthen food and nutrition security across the state’s 18 Local Government Areas.

The announcement was made by Mr. Kingsley Ogbodu, the Functioning Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Chairman of the State Committee on Food and Nutrition (SCFN), during the committee’s third-quarter review and appraisal meeting held in Benin City.

A Blueprint for Nutrition and Food Security

According to Ogbodu, the five-year plan will guide the implementation of nutrition-sensitive programmes across all relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The initiative focuses on improving food access, dietary quality, and overall health outcomes — particularly for children and vulnerable groups.

He praised the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo for prioritizing food safety and nutrition through the SHINE Agenda, describing it as a cornerstone of the government’s broader development blueprint.

“This plan represents a collective commitment to ensuring that every Edo citizen — especially children and the vulnerable — has access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food,” Ogbodu said.

Empowering Farmers and Strengthening Local Production

The meeting also reviewed progress made under the ‘Back-to-Farm’ initiative, which encourages citizens to return to agriculture, promotes cluster farming, and strengthens cooperative production systems.

Reports from the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) highlighted improved productivity and rural livelihoods following recent training sessions on sustainable and nutrition-sensitive farming practices.

These sessions have reportedly enhanced knowledge on soil health, organic fertilizer use, and post-harvest management — helping local farmers increase yield while protecting the environment.

Water, Sanitation, and Food Hygiene Take Center Stage

Representatives from various sectors emphasized the interconnected nature of nutrition, water, and sanitation.

Engr. Ufumwen Asemota of the Edo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (STRUWASSA) revealed that the government has intensified efforts to expand access to clean and potable water, noting its vital role in food safety and public health.

Similarly, Mr. Osayande Isaac from the Ministry of Science and Technology commended the reintroduction of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, stressing that it will help improve hygiene in markets, processing centers, and local communities.

Concerns Over Chemical Use and Food Safety

The Committee also raised red flags over the growing use of artificial fruit-ripening chemicals, warning of potential health hazards. Members called for stronger public sensitization campaigns to discourage the practice and protect consumers.

“There’s an urgent need for public awareness on the dangers of using harmful chemicals in food production and processing,” one committee member emphasized.

Looking Ahead: Launch Set for October 2025

The Edo State Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (2025–2029) was developed through an inclusive process involving government agencies, civil society, and development partners.

The plan, expected to be officially launched in October 2025, aims to foster collaboration across sectors — from agriculture and education to health and social development — to achieve sustainable nutrition outcomes for all Edo residents.

With UNICEF’s support and the Edo government’s SHINE Agenda, the initiative marks a major step toward achieving food sufficiency, zero hunger, and improved public health across the state.