The founder of the Motivating African Youths Initiative and CEO of Havillah Walter Company, Dr. Ogenna Walter Ekwubiri has decried the devastating impact of food and water shortages in communities across the country, calling on government to take steps to address the issue.
She spoke in address to newsmen in celebration of this year's World Food Day (WFD).
While expressing concern over the increasing malnutrition rate among children in communities in the country, Ekwubiri said lack of access to food has affected the quality of health of millions of Nigerians, with women and children most hit.
UNICEF, an agency of the UN for children, reported in June 2024 that about 11 million Nigerian children were experiencing severe child food poverty.
The report says this translates to one in every three Nigerian children under five years old. Research shows Nigeria has about 31 million children under five.
Ekwubiri however believes that lack of access to clean water and decent food is a challenge to human health, urging government and individuals to join hands in addressing the issue.
Earlier, she had visited Makoko, a community in Lagos state where she distributed food items to residents.
She said despite the abundance of water, access to clean water and nutritious food remains a daily struggle in the community.
“In communities like Makoko, where water is abundant yet clean water and food remain scarce, the challenges of daily survival are real.
“Today, we are committed to standing with the people of Makoko through food distribution efforts, aiming to provide nourishment and hope to families in need”, Ekwubiri said.
Her Non-governmental organisation, the Motivating African Youths Initiative, has been at the forefront in driving social welfare programmes aimed at empowering young people.
The organisation also contributes in addressing key challenges such as hunger and poverty in underserved areas.
She urges governments, organizations, and individuals to join hands in fighting hunger and ensuring equitable access to food and water for all.
“This is a day to remind ourselves that no one should be left behind in the fight against hunger.
“I urge governments, organizations, and individuals to take action toward ensuring that access to food and water becomes a reality for all”, she stated.
The theme of this year's World Food Day is “Water is Life, Water is Food. Leave No One Behind.”
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