An international non-governmental organisation, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, has awarded N48 million to 16 businesses in four states to enhance food security and nutrition in the country.

Country Director, GAIN, Dr Michael Ojo, said, at the Micro-Grant Funding for Nutritious Business Award ceremony in Abuja, that the award was in recognition of the businesses’ innovative ideas towards enhancing access to nutritious food and diets for Nigerians.

Mr Ojo said, “The 16 businesses we recognised today have not only demonstrated outstanding dedication to the cause of nutrition, but have also passed a rigorous multilayered evaluation to demonstrate their commitment and expertise in furthering this worthy mission.

“The microgrant funding of N3 million each, totalling N48 million, is not just a financial award but a testament of the belief we place in these entrepreneurs. It is an investment in the future of food security and nutrition in Nigeria.

“With this funding, these businesses are poised to scale-up operations, improve food safety standards, and most importantly, increase the availability, accessibility and consumption of nutritious foods across the country. It will directly contribute to food security by ensuring that more households have access to affordable, nutritious food options, which are essential for healthy living and sustainable development.’’

He explained that through its Strengthening Nutrition in Priority Staples Project, the awardees from Benue, Kaduna, Oyo and Nasarawa states had transitioned to nutrient-enriched varieties of cassava, sweet potatoes and maize.

The country director added that they had ventured into the processing of biofortified vitamin A cassava, vitamin A maize and orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, thereby enriching diets.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Agriculture, Kaduna State, Murtala Dabo, commended the organisation for its support towards tackling malnutrition in the country.

Mr Dabo, represented by a Director in the ministry, Shehu Dalhat, said that the government was committed to prioritising agriculture, adding that N24 billion was budgeted for the sector in this year’s budget.

Also, Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the support for the organisation had improved food security and the agriculture value chain in the state.

Mr Olaleye called for more collaboration to improve access to nutritious food and diets.

On his part, the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Abubakar Imam, reiterated its commitment to improving nutrition and food security, adding that a department for nutrition was established to ensure its success.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Benue State, Prof. Moses Ogbaji, urged the organisation to research and invest in African Yam Bean, which, he said, was going extinct.

Mr Ogbaji said the African Yam Bean was underutilised, despite its immense nutritional value, which could ameliorate malnutrition in Nigeria.

The other activities at the award ceremony were cultural performances, conferment of awards and exhibition of some of the fortified value chains of cassava, maize and orange-fleshed sweet potatoes.

(NAN)