CS-SUNN Expands Presence
The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has achieved a significant milestone by inaugurating its Ondo State chapter and extending its presence to 25 states across Nigeria. This expansion underscores CS-SUNN’s unwavering commitment to mobilising civil society for enhanced nutrition outcomes.
The Imperative of Nutrition
During a one-day inauguration meeting in Ondo State, the significance of food as a fundamental human right and the need for collective efforts to ensure food and nutrition security were highlighted. The meeting shed light on the silent crisis of malnutrition in Nigeria, encompassing stunting, wasting, underweight, and overweight, emphasising the urgent requirement for robust nutrition advocacy. Shocking statistics revealed that 37% of children under five in Nigeria suffer from malnutrition, with Ondo State facing a stunting rate of 24%.
Advocacy and Coalition Building
The Programme Manager at CS-SUNN, Dr. Goodness Anyanwu, delivered an advocacy training session, providing participants with comprehensive insights into advocacy, including its definitions, objectives, and essential components. CS-SUNN Steering Committee Team Lead for Partnership and Collaboration, Ebere Okey-Onyema, led a session on coalition building, emphasising the importance of embracing diversity while advancing CS-SUNN’s vision of ensuring universal access to food and nutrition security. The meeting urged participants to work together as a united team committed to overcoming challenges and becoming powerful agents of change for nutrition.
Benefits and Official Registration
Members were encouraged to complete their official registration, offering a range of benefits. This includes the opportunity to be part of a harmonious collective voice for nutrition in the state and access to learning and networking opportunities.
Leadership Positions
The inauguration marked the nomination and election of key positions in the Ondo State chapter, which saw the following individuals emerge as winners:
State Coordinator: Olabisi Omolona
State Secretary: Inyang Bola
Assistant Secretary: Mercy Rowland
Lead Advocacy: Adebayo Margret
Lead Partnership/Collaboration: Bola Fasuyi
Lead Capacity: Folashade Bamigboye
Lead Resource Mobilisation: Alo Martins
Lead Policy/Research: Odedele Yinka
CS-SUNN’s Vision and Mission
CS-SUNN is a non-governmental alliance with a shared vision of transforming Nigeria into a country where every citizen has food and nutrition security. The alliance aims to amplify civil society’s collective voice for nutrition, responding to the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement’s call. The inauguration of the Ondo State chapter is a testament to CS-SUNN’s deep commitment to this vital cause.
Expanding Footprint
With the inauguration of the Ondo State chapter and the appointment of key officers, including 26 pioneer member CSOs, CS-SUNN takes a significant step forward in advancing food and nutrition security and advocating for improved nutrition across Nigeria. The alliance intends to continue expanding its presence in states where it has yet to establish chapters in the coming months.
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