The National President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), Prof. Salisu Maiwada Abubakar has identified good nutrition as a right and foundation for national Prosperity

Prof Abubakar stated this Tuesday while delivering his welcome address at the 55th Confidence/AGM of NSN in Port Harcourt.

He said that the body in the course of its existence, has contributed greatly to research, capacity building that support the growth and development of the nation.

Delivery his welcome address at the 55th Scientific Conference and AGM of the Association in Port Harcourt, Prof. Abubakar, said currently, the Society is hosting the Grand Challenges of Nigeria project, supported by the Gates Foundation to identify and provide effective innovative solutions to the challenges in health,food security and development of the nation.

The 55th Scientific Conference and AGM with the theme: ‘Advancing Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition in Nigeria: Innovations and Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Impact’,held in Port Harcourt,the President said spoke directly on one of the most pressing challenges of the time, as the nation continues to face the burden of malnutrition in all its forms.

According to him,the NSN acknowledged support and commitment of the Federal Government in improving the indices for maternal,infant and child nutrition in the country,while lauding the federal government for all steps taken so far.

Also speaking, the Keynote Speaker, Prof.Henrietta Ene-Obong, stressed the importance of food based-guidelines and enabling laws to allow the people improve in all nutritional processes.

She identified the prioritization of early birth of children in the country ,as well as a sustainable financial base for the improvement of nutrition and innovations in the country.

Other speakers also underscored the importance of stronger partnership and collaboration with all stakeholders in the health sector and improvement in science and research in the country.

They also stressed the impact of deworming on nutrition outcomes among school aged children across the nation.

The event also witnessed the induction of new members of the union.

By Barth Ndubuwah, Port Harcourt