Rivers State Unveils ‘Nutrition 774’ Plan to Combat Malnutrition

Koko Maxwella in Abuja

The Rivers State Government has launched Nutrition 774, a comprehensive programme aimed at tackling malnutrition through improved healthcare, sustainable agriculture and active community participation.

Speaking at the Rivers State Nutrition 774 Town Hall Stakeholders’ Workshop in Port Harcourt, the State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), urged collective action to address what he described as a pressing health challenge. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Ibibia Worika, he said:

“Urgent and united action is essential to secure the nutritional well-being of our people.”

The initiative, themed “Strengthening Capacity to Drive Action for Nutrition Delivery”, brings together government agencies, local communities and development partners to improve nutrition security. It will focus on data-led strategies, sustainable funding and household-level engagement.

Ibas noted that the state had already made significant commitments: “We have allocated 10.8% of the 2025 budget to health, established nutrition departments, and created dedicated budget lines across ministries.”

He also announced plans to upgrade the Mother and Child Hospital, as well as the Dr Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Diagnosis Centre. On the agricultural front, the state intends to revitalise the Songhai Integrated Farm and restart operations at the Rivers State Cassava Processing Plant in Oyigbo to strengthen local food production.

The Rivers State Council on Nutrition will lead the programme, ensuring measurable results through rigorous monitoring. The launch received strong backing from national and local stakeholders.

Senior Special Assistant on Public Health in the Presidency, Uju Rochas-Anwukah, described malnutrition as “a national emergency”, adding: “Nutrition 774 will deliver integrated solutions across health, education, agriculture, social protection, and water, sanitation and hygiene in all 774 local government areas nationwide.”

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Imaonyani Ephraim-George, stressed the need for coordinated implementation, “Collaboration is key to turning our vision into reality.”

Traditional leaders also pledged their support. Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Amadi, said,“We must ensure this initiative impacts the grassroots.”

Administrator of Port Harcourt LGA, Sam Kalagbor, confirmed that all 23 local government areas would extend the programme to remote communities.

With its blend of health, agriculture and community action, Nutrition 774 represents a major push by Rivers State to deliver sustainable, locally driven solutions to malnutrition.