In observance of the 2023 World Food Day, it has been recommended that the Nigerian Federal Government give precedence to ensuring access to water and promoting the availability of nutritious, safe, and cheap diets.
In a statement released by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (FMINO), Micheal Ojo, the Country Director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), expressed the following sentiment.
Ojo conducted a news conference in commemoration of the 2023 World Food Day, centered around the theme: "Water is Life, Water is Food." The principle of "Leave No One Behind" emphasizes the need of ensuring that all individuals are included and accounted for in various contexts, without any exceptions or exclusions.
According to the representative from GAIN, it is their belief that the availability of uncontaminated water is not only crucial for sustaining life, but also holds significant importance in guaranteeing food security and promoting improved dietary practices for everyone across the globe.
One of the foremost issues confronting society at present pertains to the augmentation of food production in order to adequately cater to the demands of a growing population, all the while minimizing water consumption.
Therefore, enhancing the productivity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of water utilization within our food system is of utmost importance.
On the occasion of World Food Day, we express our desire for more collaboration and harmonization among stakeholders involved in water and food systems. This collaborative effort aims to yield resilient strategies for water management, food security, and nutrition.
According to Ojo, it is crucial for strategies to deliberately tackle the obstacles encountered by the most marginalized individuals.
According to his statement, the primary factors contributing to the prevalence of hunger and severe malnutrition among millions of mothers and their children are food insecurity and limited availability of clean water. These circumstances have significant implications for their overall quality of life and general welfare.
Accordingly, the GAIN Country Director emphasized the need to prioritize the provision of water, nutritious food, and safe and affordable meals for teenage girls, mothers, and children.