The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd) has been inaugurated as the Chairman of the Rivers State Council on Nutrition.
The inauguration which was performed by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday also saw the swearing-in of ten other council members.
Senior Special Assistant on Health in the Presidency, Office of the Vice President, Mrs Uju Rochas -Anwukah represented the Vice President at the occasion.
In his address, Vice Admiral Ibas underscored the strategic importance his administration places on healthcare, disclosing that 10.8% of the state’s 2025 budget has been allocated to the health sector.
He emphasized that this financial commitment reflects the government’s resolve to deliver quality, accessible, and sustainable healthcare services to all residents of Rivers State.
“Our commitment is not just financial—it is strategic and action-driven. This administration has approved the establishment of dedicated Nutrition Departments and the creation of a nutrition budget line in all relevant ministries. This ensures that nutrition is mainstreamed across sectors and given the financial priority it deserves.”
To further strengthen implementation, Vice Admiral Ibas revealed that he has directed the establishment of dedicated nutrition units in key ministries, ensuring effective alignment with budgetary provisions and program execution.
Ibas also stated that as part of broader efforts to enhance healthcare delivery, the State Government has entered into public-private partnerships (PPPs) to reactivate critical health facilities, including
the Mother and Child Hospital and the Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Diagnostic Centre
Read also:
- Senate approves Rivers State’s ₦1.458 Trillion budget for 2025, says 85% of proposal originated From Fubara’s administration
- Tinubu requests House of Representatives approve budget allocation of N1.481 trillion for Rivers State
- Rivers State Shuts down illegal Clinic after pregnant woman dies during botched C-Section
“These partnerships with reputable firms are designed to ensure world-class service delivery, improve access to specialized care, and guarantee long-term sustainability,” he stated.
Recognizing the link between nutrition and food security, the Administrator announced renewed efforts to revitalize the state’s agricultural sector, including reactivating the Songhai Integrated Farms in Bonu Tai Community, revitalizing the Rivers Cassava Processing Company Limited in Oyigbo and other agro-industrial initiatives to empower local farmers and reduce dependency on food imports
“These interventions—institutional strengthening, healthcare reform, agricultural revitalization, and community-level engagement—are fully aligned with the Nutrition 774 Initiative. They reflect our holistic understanding that nutrition security is built on strong health systems, resilient food systems, and targeted community interventions,” he explained.
The Administrator described malnutrition as “Nigeria’s most silent killer,” stressing that it undermines human potential and economic progress.
“We cannot build a prosperous state on an empty stomach. Malnutrition—whether undernutrition, overnutrition, or micronutrient deficiencies—slowly destroys more dreams than conflict.”
He assured that the Rivers State Council on Nutrition will work assiduously, relying on data-driven strategies and proper coordination to save lives and strengthen the foundation of the state.
In her remarks, Mrs. Uju Rochas-Anwukah highlighted that the Nutrition 774 Initiative is a government-driven strategy to combat malnutrition nationwide. She lamented the rising number of under-five deaths due to acute malnutrition, calling it a “slow-moving emergency” that demands urgent action.
She added, “The Council is charged with implementing the objectives of this initiative, which seeks to empower communities to take action against malnutrition through strengthened grassroots structures,”
