FG plans ‘operation feed yourself’ to counter malnutrition

The Nigerian Government in collaboration with the 36 States is currently planning an “Operation Feed Yourself” initiative to encourage the establishment of urban farms and small home gardens.

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who spoke on Monday during a High-Level Meeting on Nutrition attended by United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Mrs Amina Mohammed, State Governors, representatives of development partners including UNICEF and other officials said the move is part of efforts to address malnutrition and related challenges in the country.

He said the development is being considered under the auspices of the National Economic Council and the National Council on Nutrition.

The VP said the “States and the FGN will promote what has been described as “Operation Feed Yourself”. This is more of the establishment of urban farms and homestead gardens. This is simply something that we think should be a mass appeal to citizens in the States and the encouragement we can give them so that individuals and schools develop their farms or homestead gardens.

“This obviously not only helps individuals and families but the excess can be sold to others and generally improve food security.

“The establishment of Agribusiness Investment Hubs or farm settlements or farm estates or any variety of those kinds of integrated farming arrangements will improve food and nutrition security. What we are recommending is the sort of model that Oyo State has or any of the variety that States have. That sort is obviously recommended because of the way that it is structured and the obviously good result that they have been getting.”