By FAIZA ABUBAKAR, Kaduna

The Centre for Nutrition Research and Innovations (CNRI), Kaduna State University, has pledged stronger collaboration with the Kaduna Maternal Accountability Mechanism (KADMAM) to tackle malnutrition, food insecurity, and maternal health challenges in the state.

This was disclosed during an advocacy visit by CNRI’s leadership to KADMAM’s office in Kaduna, Monday, September 8, 2025, where both organizations explored avenues for partnership and synergy.

The team includes the former Rector of Kaduna Polytechnic and member of CNRI Advisory Board, Dr. Mohammed Bello Ibrahim.

CNRI Director, Dr. Hauwa Yakubu Bako, highlighted the Centre’s mission of transforming research into practical interventions to address malnutrition and nutrition-related diseases. She explained that CNRI’s thematic areas include climate-smart agriculture, nutrition education, policy advocacy, and innovative programs such as the Nutraceuticals and Phytotherapeutic Research Program, Agro-Processing and Preservation Innovation, and Nutrition Education and Community Engagement.

She further announced CNRI’s upcoming conference themed “Accelerating the Implementation of Food for Education Policy for Human Capital Development in Nigeria”, aimed at strengthening the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.

Responding, KADMAM Co-Chair, Alhaji Garba Muhammad, reaffirmed the platform’s role in championing accountability and sustainability in maternal and child health programs. He listed some of KADMAM’s achievements, including the advocacy that led to the employment of 2,000 health workers in Kaduna, the increase of the state’s health budget to above 15 percent in line with the Abuja Declaration, as well as the renovation and strengthening of healthcare services in Primary Health Centres across the state.

Both organizations agreed to share work plans, set up a nutrition budget tracking committee, and designate representatives to coordinate collaboration.

At the close of the meeting, CNRI acknowledged that KADMAM aligns with over 60 percent of its core focus areas, describing the partnership as a vital step toward improving nutrition and maternal health outcomes in Kaduna State.