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Rising Crisis Of Malnutrition, Food Insecurity Threat To Economic Stability – Speaker Abass

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2 years ago

October 31, 2024

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has said Nigeria is challenged with an increasing crisis of malnutrition and food insecurity which poses a serious threat to the well-being of its citizens, the resilience of its economy, and stability of its communities.

The Speaker stated this at the inauguration of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for Summit on Nutrition and Food Insecurity in Abuja on Thursday.

Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, Speaker Abbas said these challenges, though not unique to Nigeria, “strike at the heart of our nation’s development, leaving a profound impact on health, education, and productivity”.

He regretted that lack of proper nutrition during the critical stages of growth stunts physical and cognitive development, hence the need for legislative action to address the critical issues of malnutrition and food security.

According to him, the National Summit will provide a vital forum to raise awareness, pool resources, and establish actionable goals for the future.

Abass who further reiterated the commitment of the House in supporting the committee where necessary for success; urged members to fulfil their mandate and ensure collaboration with the State Houses of Assembly, in line with the National Legislative Network.

He said, “It is with immense pride and a profound sense of duty that I join you today to witness the inauguration of the Local Organizing Committee for the National Summit on Nutrition and Food Security. This marks a historic moment for the National Assembly, as we unite for the first time at this level to address the critical issues of malnutrition and food security through legislative action.

“Nigeria faces a mounting crisis of malnutrition and food insecurity that poses a serious threat to the well-being of its citizens, the resilience of its economy, and the stability of its communities. Today, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of malnutrition in sub- Saharan Africa, affecting children, adolescents, and adults alike. It’s a crisis that requires both immediate action and sustainable, long-term solutions.

“Malnutrition, in particular, has devastating effects on the most vulnerable members of our society-children. Lack of proper nutrition during the critical stages of growth stunts physical and cognitive development, setting a trajectory of reduced academic achievement, lower earning potential, and increased susceptibility to health issues. For adults, malnutrition reduces the productivity and overall health of our workforce, weakening our ability to compete in the global economy.

“The need for this National Summit on Nutrition and Food Security has never been more urgent. This organizing committee is tasked with bringing the summit to fruition by coordinating efforts across ministries, states, and engaging both public and private sectors. Its mission is to create a platform for legislators, experts, and community leaders to collaborate, share insights, and drive collective action to address the root causes of our nutrition and food security challenges.

“Your commitment will be instrumental in addressing the nation’s pressing nutrition and food security challenges and the National Summit will hopefully address current shortages and associated risks, with the goal of formulating sustainable, long-term solutions”.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Rep. Chike Okafor, highlighted the urgency and scale of Nigeria’s nutritional challenges and outlined the critical role the LOC will play in organizing a successful summit to address these issues.

He emphasized the gravity of malnutrition in Nigeria, and noted that recent data indicates a 51 percent increase in severe malnutrition cases among children in Northern states.

“This is not merely a statistic; it embodies a humanitarian crisis that demands our immediate attention and concerted action,” he stated.

Rep. Okafor also referenced natural disasters, including devastating floods in Adamawa, Maiduguri, and Jigawa among others states which have disrupted food supplies and exacerbated food insecurity across the country.

He emphasised that the summit will be an essential platform for developing strategies and policies to tackle the twin challenges of malnutrition and food insecurity.

He described the LOC as the cornerstone of these efforts, emphasizing that “the committee’s task will be to determine the most convenient date and location for the summit, enabling stakeholders within the nutrition and food ecosystem to come together and forge a way forward”.

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Photo: IGP Disu decorating Dr Azuka Edozie with his new rank of AIG

Published

3 minutes ago

July 23, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu(first right) decorating Dr. Hycinth Azuka Edozie with his new rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police. Mr. Chidi Dozie is helping the IGP in the task.

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Fire Engulfs Section Of Justrite Superstore Building In Lagos

Published

54 minutes ago

July 23, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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Early morning fire has engulfed a part of the Justrite Superstore in the Akowonjo area of Lagos State.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, however, said the incident, which happened at a store around Jimoh Bus Stop, Egbeda-Akowonjo, Lagos, was extinguished by firefighters.

“The incident involves the second floor of the commercial building, housing the electronics section of the store,” the Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said in a statement on Thursday.

“Upon arrival, firefighters swiftly deployed firefighting equipment and commenced coordinated operations to contain the fire, prevent its spread to adjoining sections of the building, and safeguard lives, property and the environment.

“The Fire has been put out, and recovery of the remains is ongoing to bring the mop-up exercise to a wrap. The cause of the fire is suggestive of an alternative power source solar inverter system, while no casualty has been recorded.”

Footage of the inferno, shared on social media and by the agency, showed smoke billowing from the rooftop.
See more photos from the fire outbreak below:

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Oyo kidnappings: Court sentences three suspects to life imprisonment

Published

58 minutes ago

July 23, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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The Federal High Court, Abuja, has sentenced three suspects in the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State to life imprisonment.

According to the court, the sentencing of Abdulrazak Umar, alias Abu Khalifa/Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, alias Yunusa Bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, alias Abu Itisar, will start from the date of their arrest.

Before the verdict by Justice Salim Ibrahim, counsel for the defendants pleaded with the court to sentence them on liberal terms. He added that they were first-time offenders and had pleaded guilty.

Ibrahim pointed out that this showed that they were remorseful of their actions, and all the counts they were charged with are not related to the kidnapping.

He added that the convicts were married men who have children and have aged parents who are dependent on them. He pleaded with the court to give them a second chance at life and sentence them on liberal terms.

Counsel for the prosecution, however, pointed out that the convicts were aware of the people on the battlefield, and as true Nigerians, they should have reported it to the authorities.

After the charges were read to them, they pleaded guilty to membership of a proscribed terrorist group.

At their arraignment on alleged terrorism at the Federal High Court, Abuja, the three defendants also pleaded guilty to concealing information on the planning and execution of the abduction.

However, only the first accused person, Abdulrazak Umar, alias Abu Khalifa/Abu Khalid, pleaded guilty to counts 7, 8, 9 and 10, which bordered on training and passing instructions and inciting terror group members on a particular religious ideology.

The three accused persons were on trial by DSS on a 10-count charge bordering on kidnapping, concealment of information, and terrorism-related offences.

According to the charges, the defendants, all from Niger State, are accused of knowingly withholding information about individuals linked to terrorist activities, participating in kidnapping, and using a messaging platform to facilitate terrorist training.