*House of Representatives, National Assembly* Office of the House Spokesman *Press Statement* For Immediate Release *Chairman, House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security Appointed to High-Level Strategic Board for Nutrition 774 Initiative* *Abuja, FCT | Saturday, June 21, 2025*— The House of Representatives welcomes the appointment of Rep. Chike Okafor, PhD, Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security and Chairman of the National Legislative Network on Nutrition and Food Security, to the High-Level Strategic Board for the Nutrition 774 Initiative. The appointment was made by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, who is the Chairman of the National Council on Nutrition. The Board formally inaugurated on Friday. comprises key stakeholders drawn from federal and sub-national levels of government. The Nutrition 774 Initiative is a bold and strategic response to Nigeria’s growing burden of malnutrition and food insecurity. It seeks to deploy high-impact interventions across all 774 Local Government Areas of the country. The High-Level Strategic Board is tasked with providing direction and oversight to ensure the successful implementation of this national priority. *Other distinguished members of the Board include:* 1. H.E. Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq – Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), and Governor of Kwara State 2. ⁠Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu – Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning 3. ⁠Mr. Adebayo Olawale Edun – Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy 4. ⁠Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate – Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare 5. ⁠Hon. Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim – Honourable Minister of Women Affairs 6. ⁠Hon. Engr. Bello Lawal – Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) 7. ⁠Hon. Tolulope Ige Michael – Chairman, Forum of Chairpersons of Committees on Nutrition and Food Security in State Houses of Assembly 8. ⁠Dr. Samson Ebimaro – Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning In a letter of appreciation to the Vice President, Rep. Okafor described the appointment as “a call to even greater service,” noting that the objectives of the Board align closely with those of the National Legislative Network on Nutrition and Food Security, which he leads. He reaffirmed his commitment to leveraging legislative tools to reverse the alarming trends of malnutrition and food insecurity in Nigeria and actualise a robust grassroots nutrition agenda. A third-term lawmaker representing Ehime Mbano, Ihitte-Uboma, and Obowo Federal Constituency of Imo State, Rep. Okafor holds a doctorate in Public Administration and boasts a distinguished background in banking and public service. He has emerged as one of the most vocal legislative advocates for nutrition-sensitive policies and has spearheaded several parliamentary efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s food security systems. He was appointed by Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, Speaker of the House of Representatives, as the pioneer Chairman of the newly established Committee on Nutrition and Food Security; one of the flagship innovations of the 10th House. This Committee aligns with the House Legislative Agenda on Economic Growth and Development (Agenda 4) and is tasked with advancing targeted actions to combat hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity in both the short and medium term. Since its inauguration, the Committee has undertaken robust oversight engagements to ensure nutrition and food security interventions by government agencies are impactful and efficient. Through identifying implementation gaps and proposing responsive legislation, the House continues to enhance the reach and effectiveness of national programmes in this domain. The House of Representatives commends this important appointment and reaffirms its commitment to supporting all national efforts that ensure every Nigerian (especially children and vulnerable groups) has access to adequate nutrition and food security. Signed: *Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr.* Spokesman, House of Representatives