ABIA STATE MINISTRY OF HEALTH ESTABLISHES NEW NUTRITION DEPARTMENT

ABIA STATE MINISTRY OF HEALTH ESTABLISHES NEW NUTRITION DEPARTMENT.

In a move described as historic and transformative, the Abia State Ministry of Health has formally established a new Nutrition Department, upgrading what was previously known as the Nutrition Unit under the Public Health and Disease Control Department.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Ministry’s Board Room in Umuahia, was presided over by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche. The event drew a full house of jubilant staff members, who celebrated the department’s elevation with excitement and applause.

In his address, Prof. Uche commended Governor Alex Otti for his visionary leadership and commitment to repositioning health services in the state. He hailed the creation of the department as a milestone in public health and a turning point in the management of nutrition-related issues across Abia.

“Today marks a new chapter,” Prof. Uche stated. “Nutrition has become a major global concern, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Malnutrition affects productivity, learning, growth, and overall well-being, and in severe cases, it can lead to death—especially among children.”

The Health Commissioner emphasized that the state government is already implementing strategies to combat malnutrition through improved nutritional practices and targeted interventions. He highlighted the N774 initiative, spearheaded by the National Council of Nutrition under the leadership of the Vice President, as a key federal program being adopted by states to address the issue.

Prof. Uche urged the new department to aim for excellence, expressing hope that it would become a model for other states. “Let this be the number one Nutrition Department in Nigeria,” he said, encouraging staff to embrace teamwork and cross-sector collaboration to drive impactful results.

Also speaking , Dr. Princess Orieji Agomoh, Director of Public Health and Disease Control, echoed the Commissioner’s challenge, urging the department to strive for national recognition through commitment and innovation.

The Director of Administration, Mrs. Ngozi Uche-Okorafo, commended the Commissioner for the milestone, noting that the new department would now function with a clear work plan and daily performance targets to ensure accountability and measurable progress.

In her vote of thanks, the newly appointed Director of the Nutrition Department, Mrs. Nmeriche Ofoegbu, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Commissioner and the Ministry’s leadership for their support and vision. She also acknowledged divine providence in the actualization of the long-awaited development.

The ceremony was attended by key officials of the Ministry of Health, including Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, Dr. Princess Orieji Agomoh, Mrs. Ngozi Uche-Okorafor, and staff of the newly inaugurated department.