GAIN, WFP, Organise Training Workshop On Rice Fortification For Journalists In Kebbi

From Ayodele Ajoge, Birnin-Kebbi

The Global Alliance For Improve Nutrition (Gain) in conjunction with the World Food Programme (WFP) has organised a one day training workshop on Rice Fortification for Journalists in Kebbi State.

Speaking at the training, the Project Coordinator for Gain, Seun Elere, said the aimed of the training was to acquaint the trainees with knowledge on the new programme to be implemented in the country.

He said, the training also aimed at creating awareness around rice fortification and sensitization of consumer to prevent consumer apathy.

According to him, the programme would be launching in Kebbi State for the first time in Nigeria and is targeting small, medium and large scale rice milling industries.

He stated that the programme when introduced would involves the traditional and religious leaders in the State for optimal implementation.

Also at the one day training, Mr. Ekene Onyeagba, a food fortification expert from the World Food Programme Nigeria, said the role of the media is key in sensitizing the public on the would be implementation of the rice fortification  programme.

Earlier, in her speech, the Chairman, Kebbi State Food and Nutrition Committee and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Hajiya Aisha Usman, said the programme would make a difference considering the index of malnutrition in the state as rice is the mostly consumed and not fortified in the state.

 She described the role of the media as critical in the project.