In a bold step to combat child malnutrition in Gombe State, the government officially launched the distribution of “Garin Inuwa,” a locally produced complementary food supplement aimed at nourishing thousands of undernourished children across the state.
Performing the launch the Deputy Governor of Gombe State,Manassah Jatau, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the health and development of its youngest citizens.
“This programme is not only a testament to the vision of His Excellency Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya but also a proof that sustainable, homegrown solutions can address our most pressing health challenges,” Jatau said in his keynote speech.
He highlighted the alarming statistics facing the state including
Stunting rate: 50.6 percent, wasting rate: 8.8 percent, and severely malnourished children: Over 94,000.
“The birth of ‘Garin Inuwa’ is both a response and a resolve. It is a product developed from locally sourced ingredients and certified by NAFDAC, representing a significant milestone in our Human Capital Development agenda,” he added.
Our correspondent reports that the initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministries of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, and ANRIN (Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria). Over 1,000 students from selected schools were trained in preparing nutritious food, while trained women were empowered to produce and distribute the supplements—laying the groundwork for entrepreneurial opportunities and broader community impact.
“No solid building stands on a weak foundation,” Jatau emphasised. “Good nutrition is that foundation—and today, we’ve begun to rebuild it, one child at a time.”
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Aishatu Maigari, described the programme as “first-of-its-kind,” noting its multi-sectoral inclusiveness that brought together schoolchildren, trained women producers, and beneficiaries who have been brought directly from hospitals with cases of acute malnutrition.
Goodwill messages poured in from several stakeholders, including,
Alh. Salisu Baba Alkali, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning,
Prof. Abdullahi Bappa Ahmad Garkuwa, Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Health, Dr Yakubu Ibrahim representing the Commissioner and
Hon Shuaibu Adamu, Chairman, House Committee on Education, Gombe state House of Assembly.
They lauded the joint efforts and promised continued support for policies geared toward child nutrition and welfare.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, Dr Barnabas Malle, delivering the vote of thanks, acknowledged the leadership and dedication of Governor Yahaya, the Deputy Governor, and the collaborative ministries for their unwavering focus on child health.
