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In a landmark move to tackle malnutrition at the grassroots level, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has mobilized all 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Plateau State for concerted action under the Nutrition 774 initiative. The three-day programme, now in its second day, is a collaborative effort of ALGON, the Office of the Vice President, development partners, and key stakeholders across various tiers of government.

The initiative, which is being hosted by the Plateau State Government, is part of the federal administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It seeks to address the growing concerns around malnutrition through localized, sustainable interventions targeting rural communities.

The event is currently taking place at Lamonde Hotels, GRA, Jos—just a short distance from the Plateau State Secretariat—with breakout sessions complementing plenary discussions. Participants include Local Government Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, Traditional Rulers, Nutrition Focal Persons, Budget Officers, and community-based stakeholders from across all 17 LGAs.

Hon. Anani Hamisu Mohammed, the ALGON Chairman in Plateau State and National Publicity Secretary, officially welcomed the Presidential delegation, which is led by Mrs. Uju Rochas Awuka, the Special Adviser to the President on Nutrition and Public Health. The delegation includes representatives from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), UNICEF, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and other institutional partners, along with select delegates from relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

The programme is structured to deliver a comprehensive framework tailored to Plateau State’s unique needs. Activities include the inauguration of state stakeholders, the launch of the Nutrition 774 programme, and the sensitization of offtakers. According to organizers, the event will culminate on Thursday with the development of a roadmap outlining the implementation strategy, budgetary considerations, monitoring and evaluation systems, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for LGAs.

The initiative emphasizes not just food availability but food quality, encouraging balanced diets using locally available resources. It also aims to address post-harvest losses, integrate agricultural strategies, and improve parenting practices regarding nutrition. ALGON is pushing for strong collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of Local Governments to ensure adequate budget approvals, policy implementation, and oversight.

Development partners are playing a pivotal role in providing funding, technical support, and independent monitoring. There is also a strong emphasis on public awareness, effective communication, and community engagement to ensure sustainable impact.

On Day 1, His Excellency Governor Caleb Mutfwang had received the Presidential delegation alongside representatives of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), ALGON national officials, and development agencies, expressing Plateau State’s commitment to cascading the programme’s benefits down to its most rural populations.

As Day 2 progresses, stakeholders are engaged in designing state-specific models that include scenario painting, action planning, and budgeting—all aimed at closing the nutrition gap in Plateau and fostering long-term community development.

The Nutrition 774 initiative, with Plateau State now fully on board, is steadily gaining momentum as a national template for combating malnutrition from the grassroots up.