Governor Alex C. Otti, OFR, has officially launched the Nutrition-774 Initiative (N-774) in Abia State, describing the battle against malnutrition as a fight for the future of Nigeria. The launch event, held on July 23, 2025, at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Umuahia, marked the beginning of a nationwide campaign to combat under-nourishment and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations, particularly children.
In his keynote address, Governor Otti emphasized that the health and wellbeing of the people form the bedrock of a stable society. He warned that the challenge of malnutrition—especially among children and young people—has reached crisis levels and requires urgent, coordinated action. The governor expressed concern that the issue had lingered for too long without the necessary attention but lauded the Federal Government for finally responding with a strategic and inclusive initiative.
The N-774 programme, according to Otti, stands out not just for its vision but for its execution strategy. He praised its broad stakeholder engagement model, tiered governance structure, and the integration of rural and urban communities. Special recognition was given to Dr. Uju Anwuka, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, for her outstanding leadership and commitment in championing the initiative.
Governor Otti also applauded the National Council on Nutrition, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, for selecting Abia as the kickoff state. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the programme with the necessary resources, stating that improving child development—mentally, physically, and socially—remains a top priority for the state. He noted that Abia has allocated 35% of its annual budget since 2024 to education and health, showcasing its commitment to sustainable development.
The governor stressed that malnutrition cannot be addressed in isolation from the broader socioeconomic realities of families. He highlighted the importance of paying workers promptly, investing in infrastructure, supporting farmers, and ensuring security as essential components of household stability. He reiterated that when parents are empowered economically, children benefit from improved nutrition and care.
Governor Otti also identified insecurity, poor transport systems, and lack of agricultural support as key obstacles to solving the food crisis. He called on stakeholders to work toward making agriculture safe, attractive, and productive for young Nigerians. He urged the use of strategic policy tools—not empty pronouncements—to reduce food prices and stabilize the market.
He emphasized the need for job creation, entrepreneurship, and economic reforms as essential ingredients in the war against hunger and malnutrition. According to him, malnutrition is deeply linked to poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and social instability, and must therefore be tackled with a comprehensive approach.
With a tone of optimism, Governor Otti declared that the problem is solvable with commitment and collaboration. He assured that the Abia State Government will partner with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful rollout of the N-774 Initiative across the state.
He concluded his remarks by thanking all participants, wishing them fruitful deliberations, and officially declaring the N-774 workshop in Abia open.