FG Seeks Ties to Improve Child Nutrition, Create Jobs, Community Livelihoods

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The federal government has called for partnerships that will promote initiatives aimed at improving child nutrition, increasing local production, creating jobs and strengthening community livelihoods.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Mr Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made this call when he spoke at the Arla Foods Open Day held recently at the Arla-Dano Farm in Damau, Kaduna State.

“While celebrating the Arla Dano Farm Open Day today, the sector needs to look ahead and focus on the lasting impact of its collective efforts.

“Our shared ambition should be a Nigeria where children have improved access to nutritious food, farmers earn sustainable incomes, dairy processors benefit from stronger local supply chains, and young people find meaningful employment and enterprise opportunities across the livestock value chain,” he stated.

Speaking further, he said, “Achieving this ambition requires sustained collaboration, responsible investment and a shared commitment to results. I urge all stakeholders to build on the partnerships demonstrated here today and pursue practical initiatives that improve child nutrition, increase local production, create jobs and strengthen community livelihoods.”

The Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications for Arla Foods Nigeria, Ms Elele Ogunsanya, in her opening remarks, said, “At Arla, we believe dairy plays an important role in nourishing communities, supporting livelihoods and creating opportunities across the value chain.

“Here in Nigeria, that commitment extends beyond the products we offer. It is reflected in our efforts to develop local dairy farming, strengthen farmer capabilities, share knowledge and build partnerships that contribute to a more resilient dairy sector. By investing in people, skills and local milk production, we are helping to create lasting value for farmers, communities and future generations.”

During the programme, the company unveiled its new School Feeding Programme in Kaduna State, designed to contribute to improved child nutrition, support educational outcomes and create a demand for locally sourced milk.

Arla intends to nourish school kids in Kaduna with freshly produced yoghurt from the farm several times a week. By bringing together dairy development, nutrition and education, the scheme represents an important step towards exploring how the dairy value chain can deliver benefits beyond milk production.

The programme would commence with a pilot phase with select schools in Kaduna State and will be implemented in collaboration with the Milk Value Chain Foundation.

This initiative was applauded by the Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Murtala Dabo.

“I am particularly pleased that today’s engagement also highlights the Kaduna School Feeding Project, which offers an opportunity to connect local dairy production with improved child nutrition and education. By incorporating locally produced milk into school feeding, we can strengthen demand for our farmers’ products while improving the wellbeing of our children,” he said.