The Rivers State Government has launched a coordinated plan to tackle malnutrition through strengthened health systems, sustainable food production, and increased community engagement.
Speaking at the Rivers State Nutrition 774 Town Hall Stakeholders’ Workshop in Port Harcourt, State Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), represented by Secretary to the State Government Ibibia Worika, called for urgent collective action.
Under the theme “Strengthening Capacity to Drive Action for Nutrition Delivery”, the programme unites government agencies, communities, and development partners in a single framework focused on clear priorities, reliable data, sustainable financing, and household-level outreach.
The state has allocated 10.8% of its 2025 budget to health, created nutrition departments, and established dedicated budget lines across ministries. Plans include revitalising major health facilities such as the Mother and Child Hospital and the Dr Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Diagnosis Centre, as well as boosting food security through the revival of the Songhai Integrated Farm and the Rivers State Cassava Processing Plant in Oyigbo.
The Rivers State Council on Nutrition will lead implementation with data-driven monitoring. National and local partners pledged support, with Presidential aide Uju Rochas-Anwukah describing malnutrition as a national emergency requiring integrated action across all 774 local government areas.
Traditional rulers and local government leaders committed to extending the campaign into rural communities, with Port Harcourt LGA Administrator Sam Kalagbor confirming that all 23 LGAs will participate in reaching remote areas.