From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
The Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has provided new leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to combat malnutrition in Kaduna State.
The training, held in Kaduna, brought together representatives from various civil society organizations, government agencies, and development partners.
Ibrahim Tudun, a member of the CS-SUNN steering committee in Abuja, said the workshop was designed to equip new leaders with governance and leadership skills.
“We’re building their capacity, strengthening their capabilities,” he said. “We know they are knowledgeable about their organizations, but this is a coalition, a network of many organizations. So, you need support to realize that you are equipped with leadership skills.”
Ayinu Garba Celestina, the new coordinator, expressed her excitement about the training. “This training is very strategic coming on board,” she said. “This is an alliance, and since it is an alliance, it is a shared responsibility.”
Celestina said she plans to work with every stakeholder to ensure that every child and woman in Kaduna State is nutritionally secure. “One thing I have on the ground to involve everyone is to support each other so that we can move forward together,” she said.
The stunting rate for Kaduna State is 41.7%, a statistic that Celestina called unacceptable. “We will continue to work with the government,” she said.
“We are committed to ensuring that every child and woman in Kaduna State receives proper nutrition messaging.”
Tudun urged advocates to support the new EXCO. “They must first be united,” he said.
“They need to support each other through paying dues, participating in meetings, and advocating to relevant stakeholders to achieve the goals set by CS-SUNN, especially in Kaduna State.”
The training is part of CS-SUNN’s efforts to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations to promote nutrition in Nigeria.
