HarvestPlus, in collaboration with the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture, recently held the 10th edition of the Nutritious Food Fair in Minna, aimed at promoting nutritious meals among households.
The two-day event, themed “Sustainable Food Systems, Our Collective Responsibility," featured panel discussions, a Nutri-Quiz for schools, a Nutri-Kitchen food competition, exhibitions, and food demonstrations showcasing biofortified crops.
The First Lady of Niger State, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago, was honoured and decorated by HarvestPlus as the state’s “Smart Mother.”
Dr. Yusuf Fu’ad, Country Manager of HarvestPlus Nigeria, stated that the event aimed to address micronutrient deficiencies in the state through education and enlightenment of women on how best to provide nutritious food for their families. He emphasised the need for a dedicated leader to spearhead this campaign, hence the choice of the First Lady as the state’s “Smart Mother.”
Dr. Fu’ad explained that the First Lady is now an ambassador of HarvestPlus in Niger State and is expected to champion the cause of providing nutritious meals by women in their households.
In her address, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago highlighted the critical challenges of malnutrition and food insecurity faced by vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under the age of five. She cited the Cadre Harmonise report, which warns that over 33 million Nigerians may face a hunger crisis by 2025, calling for urgent action by all stakeholders.
The First Lady noted that under the visionary leadership of her husband, Niger State is setting the pace to become the agricultural hub of Africa. With vast arable land, abundant water resources, and a commitment to agricultural innovations, the state is demonstrating that food security is achievable.
She pledged to continue empowering women farmers by providing access to biofortified crops such as vitamin A-enriched maize, cassava, millet, and soybeans, and promoting the integration of small livestock like chickens, goats, and sheep into household farming. Additionally, the state will prioritise training female agricultural extension officers and community health workers to work directly with families, providing practical knowledge about integrating nutritious crops and small livestock into their lives.
Hajiya Fatima Bago expressed her gratitude to HarvestPlus for the recognition, stating that it would inspire her to do more for women and children in the state.
Hon. Salihu Musa Bosso, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, appreciated HarvestPlus for choosing Niger State for the 10th edition of the fair and assured that the state has embraced the project, committing to ensuring that the nutritious food campaign reaches the grassroots.