‘Nutrition central to human capital development’ – Gov Sani

Governor Uba Sani places nutrition as an important component of his administration’s development agenda because it is important in making children realise their full potentials.

The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, who said this, further stated that a child who is well nourished has a better opportunity to grow, learn and survive.

‘’Consequently, investing in nutrition is not simply an investment in health; it is an investment in the future of our dear State and Country,’’ she added.

The Deputy Governor who is a medical doctor, made these remarks at the Women In Power Conference 2026 and formal recognition as a Kaduna State Nutrition Champion.

Dr Balarabe assured that Kaduna state under Governor Uba Sani, will continue to do its best to provide leadership in nutrition financing and related health activities.

‘’During the June 2026 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week, Kaduna recorded 82 per cent Vitamin A supplementation coverage and 79 per cent coverage for Mid-Upper Arm Circumference screening.

‘’In 2025, 30,089 children across the 23 Local Government Areas were treated for severe acute malnutrition through the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition program.

‘’These achievements demonstrate what can be accomplished when government, communities, development partners, health workers and civil society work together,’’ she added.

The Deputy Governor advised states to pay attention to nutrition financing, arguing that ‘’good policies can only produce results when they are backed by predictable resources, effective implementation, accountability and measurable outcomes.’’

According to her, the new Kaduna State 2026–2030 Food and Nutrition Policy and Strategic Plan ‘’provides an opportunity to consolidate our gains, strengthen coordination while ensuring that nutrition remains firmly integrated into government planning, budgeting and implementation.’’

Dr Balarabe appreciated the Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission and the Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria, CS-SUNN, for being recognized as one of the Kaduna State Nutrition Champions.

‘’We receive this recognition with gratitude, and do not receive it as personal trophy. We receive it as a call to service, and as a reminder that leadership is not measured by the titles we carry, but by the lives we touch,’’ she added.

‘Nutrition central to human capital development’ – Gov Sani