LASG TRAINS PRIVATE HOME, ORPHANAGE OPERATORS
The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development (MYSD) has organised a two-day Capacity Building programme for the operators of private homes/orphanages in the State towards ensuring compliance with the State Food, Nutrition Policy and Plan of Action.
In his welcome address at the programme held on Thursday at Ikeja Youth Centre, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Olugbenga Aina, said the workshop was designed to enhance the knowledge of the private owners of orphanages while incorporating nutrition education into formal and informal training.
He urged the participants to embrace international best practices in discharging their duties to meet the standards laid down by the State Government, adding that the initiative will also make the lives of vulnerable children under their care meaningful and productive.
According to Dr. Aina, the Lagos State Government had committed to the reduction of hunger and malnutrition in the State by the domestication of the State Policy on Food and Nutrition in 2019, which cascaded through a robust plan of action geared towards actualising the vision of making the State Africa’s model smart city.
“The introduction of six months maternity leave for civil servants in 2014 (being the first time in Nigeria) is to encourage exclusive breastfeeding. The launch of the Infant and Young Child Feeding media campaign for social and behavioural change, as well as the development of the Lagos State Multisectoral Strategic Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (LSMSPAN), are other initiatives to support the Lagos State Food and Nutrition Policy”, the Permanent Secretary asserted.
On her part, Director of Child Development (MYSD), Mrs. Bukayo Odukayo, remarked that the State Government would continue to work in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to make Lagos a haven for all vulnerable children.
Facilitators at the event, Dr. Sodipo Oluwaseun, Mrs. Rhoda Komolafe, Mrs. Yinka Odukoya and Mr. Kola Adedoyin, took the participants on topics such as Understanding Nutrition-Medical Perspective; Attaining Nutrition Goals in Congregate Facilities; Food Security: Value of Own Land Space; Health and Growth Indices For All Ages; Functional Food for Optimum Nutrition; and Practical Preparation and Experiencing of Functional Foods.