Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday inaugurated the new National Council on Nutrition (NCN) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He charged the council to prioritise innovation and research in its quest to significantly transform the nation’s nutritional landscape.

“I wish to appeal to all members to prioritise innovation and research in the field of nutrition. We must embrace technology, leverage digital solutions, and invest in research and development to discover sustainable and scalable solutions for our nutrition challenges.

“This aligns with our pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage. By harnessing the power of innovation and making prudent investments, we can fundamentally transform the nutritional landscape in Nigeria, creating lasting and meaningful change,” he said.

Shettima, who is the chairman of the council, said though there were challenges to the actualization of set targets and goals, “we must collaborate to enhance nutrition governance, ensure the widespread availability of nutritious food, champion optimal infant and young child nutrition, and bolster nutrition education and awareness campaigns.

“While funding is undeniably crucial, we must also prioritise streamlining processes, implementing practical strategies, and fostering genuine collaboration to overcome the hurdles before us.”

“A healthy nation isn’t just a happier one; it’s also safer.”