The Deputy National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Engr. Toni Adikibe on Friday joined the ALGON National President, Engr. Bello Lawal and other top leaders of the 774 Local Government Areas on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The delegation was received by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima in furtherance of the “Nutrition 774-ALGON Initiative” aimed at tackling malnutrition and promoting healthy living at the grassroots.
At the occasion, Hon Adikibe commended the Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for the ongoing economic transformation across the country and for efforts aimed at domesticating the value proposition of healthy living to rural communities through the Nutrition 774 Project.
According to Adikibe who is also the Executive Chairman of Oru West LGA in Imo State, the grassroots alignment that connects local governments, being the closest tier to the people, makes them well-positioned to drive the campaign to every household in Imo State and the 774 LGAs nationwide.
On the issue of “State-Level Support”, the ALGON Deputy President cited Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma as being on a similar trajectory, through the State Ministry of Health that is already inculcating the nutritional campaign to ensure zero tolerance. He described malnutrition as “a national emergency” and said Imo State is already making visible footprints in ensuring food security and healthy living for its people.
In the area of ALGON’s commitment, Engr. Adikibe reaffirmed ALGON’s commitment under the leadership of Hon Bello Lawal to mobilize council chairmen, traditional rulers, women and youth groups to own and implement Nutrition 774 at the community level.
Also speaking at the event, other ALGON leaders expressed support for the initiative and pledged to work with the Federal Government to ensure that no child is left behind in the fight against preventable malnutrition.
The meeting ended with both parties agreeing to deepen collaboration between the Presidency and the 774 LGAs to achieve measurable results under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Pix Caption Hon. (Engr.) Toni Adikibe, Deputy National President, ALGON
