The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, GAIN, an international NGO, has granted N48 million to 16 businesses across four states to bolster food security and nutrition efforts in the country.
Dr. Michael Ojo, the Country Director of GAIN, highlighted the significance of the Micro-Grant Funding for Nutritious Business Award ceremony in Abuja, stating that it was a recognition of the businesses’ innovative efforts to improve access to nutritious food and diets for Nigerians. He emphasized that the 16 businesses honored at the ceremony had demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing nutrition and had undergone thorough evaluation to showcase their commitment and expertise in this area.
The microgrant funding, amounting to N3 million each and totaling N48 million, goes beyond financial support; it signifies the confidence placed in these entrepreneurs and represents an investment in the future of food security and nutrition in Nigeria.
Dr. Ojo emphasized that the funding provided to these businesses would enable them to expand their operations, enhance food safety standards, and most importantly, increase the availability, accessibility, and consumption of nutritious foods throughout Nigeria. He highlighted the direct impact of this initiative on food security, stating that it would ensure more households have access to affordable, nutritious food options, which are vital for promoting healthy lifestyles and fostering sustainable development.
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Dr. Ojo further explained that through the Strengthening Nutrition in Priority Staples Project (SNIPS), the awardees from Benue, Kaduna, Oyo, and Nasarawa States had transitioned to nutrient-enriched varieties of cassava, sweet potatoes, and maize, thereby contributing to improved nutrition outcomes in these regions. He also highlighted their efforts in processing biofortified varieties of crops such as vitamin A cassava, vitamin A maize, and orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, thereby enriching diets and promoting nutrition.
Murtala Dabo, representing the Ministry of Agriculture, Kaduna State, praised the organization for its commitment to addressing malnutrition in Nigeria. He emphasized the government’s dedication to prioritizing agriculture, noting that a substantial budget of N24 billion was allocated to the sector in the current year’s budget.
Similarly, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Rural Development in Oyo State, acknowledged the positive impact of the organization’s support on food security and the agricultural value chain in the state. He urged for increased collaboration to further enhance access to nutritious food and diets across the region. Abubakar Imam, the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Trade, Industry and Investment, echoed the commitment to enhancing nutrition and food security, emphasizing the establishment of a dedicated department for nutrition to drive these efforts effectively.
Prof. Moses Ogbaji, Commissioner of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Benue State, urged the organization to focus on researching and investing in African Yam Bean, which he highlighted as facing extinction. This call underscores the importance of preserving indigenous crops to maintain biodiversity and food security. He emphasized that despite its significant nutritional benefits, the African Yam Bean remains underutilized, highlighting its potential to address malnutrition challenges in Nigeria.
In addition to recognizing the awardees, the award ceremony featured cultural performances, award presentations, and exhibitions showcasing fortified value chains of cassava, maize, and orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. These activities served to celebrate and promote the importance of nutritious food and agricultural innovations in improving public health and food security.
