08/05/2025
Health: Nkanu West LG Ready To Implement All State Government Policies
Council Chairman, Hon. Ogbodo Says Governor Mbah Has Impacted Every Sector
Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo has expressed his administration's full readiness to implement all programmes and policies of the Enugu State Government without delay.
He made this known while receiving the Enugu State Nutrition Team led by the Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Malachy Agbo, during a courtesy visit to his office.
The Chairman emphasized that Governor Dr. Peter Mbah has set the pace with substantial investments in the health sector, including the construction of over 260 healthcare centers across the state and various other critical interventions.
Hon. Ogbodo assured the delegation of his administration’s commitment to fully support the initiatives of the state government, noting that the local government will contribute in every way possible to ensure their success.
In his remarks, Hon. Malachy Agbo stated that the major purpose of the visit was advocacy to sensitize and educate the people on the importance of nutritional food, especially for children and pregnant women.
He urged local government authorities to support this initiative and ensure that children are properly fed for healthy growth and development.
In her brief remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, highlighted the importance of proper nutrition during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, stressing its impact on both physical and mental development. She appreciated the effort of the state government, especially the commitment of Governor Peter Mbah, in prioritizing healthcare and nutrition. Dr. Ani-Osheku also assured continued support from her agency to ensure the successful implementation of all nutrition-related programs at the local level.
In her speech, the Nutrition Specialist for UNICEF, Dr. Ngozi Onuora, addressed key aspects of the initiative.
Dr. Onuora elaborated on the “1,000 Days Dietary Diversity” program, noting that Nkanu West is among the three LGAs in Enugu State selected for the intervention based on indicators of poor nutritional status and the presence of an existing UNICEF footprint. She expressed gratitude that Enugu is one of only three states prioritized by UNICEF nationwide for this initiative. Emphasizing the importance of the first 1,000 days from conception to a child’s second birthday,she highlighted the long-term impact of proper nutrition on a child's health, cognitive development, and future potential. She stressed the need for collaboration between the government and stakeholders, pointing out that poor nutrition during this critical window not only affects the child but also compromises the health of the mother.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Enugu State Ministry of Budget and Planning informed the Council Chairman of a federal government directive mandating the inauguration of a local committee on food and nutrition. She underscored the seriousness of the directive, noting that the state-level committee has already been inaugurated, with her serving as chairperson.
The Permanent Secretary commended the Council Chairman for his consistent support toward maternal and child health, especially in the area of nutrition. She also praised his urban renewal initiatives and the well-maintained environment of the council headquarters.
In a vote of thanks, the Supervisor for Health, Hon. Nicolas Aninwagu, appreciated the visiting team for their enlightening session and emphasized the importance of nutritional care for children to ensure early development.
Shortly after the advocacy meeting, Dr. Ani-Osheku led the Council Chairman, Hon. Ogbodo, on an inspection tour of the ongoing rehabilitation works at the Ozalla Healthcare Centre.
Present at the occasion were the Local Government Secretary, Prince Onochie Igwesi; Chief of Staff, Barr. Chidi Anih; Special Adviser on Special Duties, Hon. Uchenna Moses Ani; Health Secretary, Dr. Collins Okafor; Immunization Officer, Mrs. Stella Anih; and other top functionaries of the local government.
NKANU WEST LG MEDIA.