Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has been inaugurated as the Chairman of the Rivers State Council on Nutrition by Vice President Kashim Shettima, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to a unified and coordinated approach in tackling malnutrition and improving public health outcomes in the state.
The inauguration held on Monday at the Government House in Port Harcourt also saw the swearing-in of ten other council members by the Senior Special Assistant on Health in the Presidency, Office of the Vice President, Mrs. Uju Rochas-Anwukah.
This was contained in a statement issued by the media aide to the State Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, and sent to journalists on Monday.
In his address, 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 emphasised 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, the Administrator revealed that he has directed the establishment of dedicated nutrition units in key ministries, ensuring effective alignment with budgetary provisions and programme execution.
He said as part of broader efforts to enhance healthcare delivery, the State Government has entered into public-private partnerships to reactivate critical health facilities, including the Mother and Child Hospital, and the Dr Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Diagnostic Centre.
“These partnerships with reputable firms are designed to ensure world-class service delivery, improve access to specialised care, and guarantee long-term sustainability,” he stated.
Recognising the link between nutrition and food security, the Administrator announced renewed efforts to revitalise the state’s agricultural sector, including reactivating the Songhai Integrated Farms in Bonu Tai Community, Tai. Local Government Area of the State, revitalising the Rivers Cassava Processing Company Limited in Oyigbo and other areas
agro-industrial initiatives to empower local farmers and reduce dependency on food imports
“These interventions—institutional strengthening, healthcare reform, agricultural revitalisation, 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”, Ibas explained.
He described malnutrition as “Nigeria’s most silent killer,” stressing that it undermines human potential and economic progress.
Ibas added, “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, 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 said, “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.”
Ibas reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions, ensuring that Rivers State leads in the fight against malnutrition and its devastating consequences.
“Together, we will build a healthier, stronger, and more prosperous Rivers State,” he concluded.
