The meeting was organized by the Immediate Past Chairman, Mal. Nasiru Sani, who welcomed members and emphasized the importance of the gathering as a critical transition point aimed at strengthening the Society’s impact across Zamfara State.

Transition and Leadership Update

As this was a transitional meeting with a newly constituted executive committee, there were no previous minutes to review.
In his remarks, Mal. Nasiru Sani, now serving in an ex-officio capacity, briefed members on the current state of the chapter. He stressed the need for unity, strategic restructuring, and collaborative efforts to build on previous achievements while addressing past challenges.

Following deliberations, members unanimously approved the nomination and appointment of the new State Executive Committee:

1. Chairman: Mal. Muhammad Dikko Abdulaziz, MNSN (HOD, Nutrition and Dietetics, Zamfara State University / Kaura Namoda Polytechnic)
2. Treasurer: Hajiya Mansurat Lamidi, MNSN (In-charge, Nutrition Unit, Federal Medical Centre, Gusau)
3. Financial Secretary: Mal. Sani Rabiu, MNSN (Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau)
4. Secretary: Ibrahim Muhammed Sani, MNSN
5. Ex-Officio: Mal. Nasiru Sani, MNSN

Key Resolutions and Action Points

1. Membership Mobilization and Welfare: Members resolved to strengthen the chapter’s membership base by:

a. Encouraging timely payment of annual dues to the national body.
b. Mobilizing qualified nutrition professionals to join the Society.
c. The chapter aims to position NSN as a vibrant and credible professional body within the state.

2. 2026 Action Plan: The newly appointed Chairman announced the constitution of a committee to develop a realistic and achievable Action Plan for 2026, working closely with the ex-officio to ensure alignment with past experiences and future goals.
3. Public Awareness and Advocacy: To enhance visibility and influence, the chapter adopted a multi-channel advocacy strategy, including:
   a. Active use of social media platforms.
   b. Advocacy visits to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), primary health centres, the State Assembly, and academic institutions.
   c. Engagement with television and radio stations for nutrition-focused programs and jingles.
4. Record Keeping and Documentation: The chapter resolved to strengthen administrative systems by maintaining comprehensive records and establishing an updated database of registered members.
5. Institutional Recognition: All institutions offering Nutrition programs within the state are to register with the state chapter for official recognition and collaboration.
6. NUTR 774 Program: The chapter will actively follow up on the progress of the NUTR 774 Program in the state to identify gaps and support accelerated implementation.
7. State-Level Registration and Dues: A state-level registration and annual dues system was introduced to support logistics, publications, awareness campaigns, and other state activities.
8. National Conference Mobilization: The chapter set an ambitious target to mobilize and induct between 100–200 new members from Zamfara State at the upcoming NSN National Conference scheduled for September 2026 in Lagos.
9. Meeting Schedule: To ensure consistency and accountability:
   a. Monthly meetings will be held virtually.
   b. Quarterly meetings will be held physically.
   c. Emergency meetings will be convened as necessary.
10. Secretariat Relocation Proposal: The chapter discussed relocating the state secretariat to a more accessible location and resolved to approach Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau, to secure the Nutrition Unit as a temporary site.
11. Proposal to National Body: In light of the increasing number of diploma-awarding institutions in Nutrition, the chapter agreed to formally propose to the national body the consideration of diploma graduates for inclusion in the Society.
12. Update on NRCN Bill: Members were informed that the bill for the establishment of the Nutrition Registration Council of Nigeria (NRCN) has passed its first reading at the National Assembly. The national body has requested financial support from members through a support levy to help facilitate the legislative process. The house unanimously agreed to encourage members to contribute promptly.

Closing

Members commended the spirit of unity demonstrated during the meeting and emphasized transparency, accountability, and collective responsibility as guiding principles for the new administration.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned. The date of the next meeting will be communicated through appropriate channels.

The meeting was convened in line with directives from the National Executive Council. The meeting was led by the State Chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Isaac. He briefed members on the progress being made at the national level toward the passage of the NRCN Bill, emphasizing its importance in regulating and strengthening the nutrition profession in Nigeria. Members were encouraged to actively support the initiative.

The Chairman outlined the financial commitment required to support the bill, stating that members are expected to contribute a minimum of ₦10,000, while Fellows are to contribute at least ₦20,000. He further noted that the National Council has assured members that contributions will be duly recognized once the objective is achieved. The Ondo State Executive Council commended members who have already responded to the call and encouraged others to demonstrate similar commitment toward advancing the profession.

Additional discussions focused on upgrading membership status, preparations for the upcoming National Conference in Lagos 2026, regular payment of dues, the impending expiration of the current State Executive tenure, and upcoming workshops in line with the National calendar of events.

Members from Akure and other local government areas, including Akoko, Ondo, Ile-Oluji, and Idanre were in attendance. The meeting concluded with a closing prayer and a group photograph.

The minister reaffirmed this during a courtesy visit with Grand Challenge Nigeria held in Abuja, as he addressed research commercialization and funding for the initiative.

The programme director, Godwin Bamsa shared updates on the programme’s progress and plans during the visit to the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.

The visit aimed to highlight the FMIST partnership, showcase Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH-RFP) investment progress and early results, emphasizes readiness for scale and initiate structured engagements for adoption and introduction to the 2026 Climate and Health Global Challenge.

Bamsa revealed that Nigeria is poised to join a global $150m+ 2026 Climate and Health Initiative, which targets infectious diseases and food systems with grants ranging from $200,000 to $2m. Whilst other African nations have pledged funds, Nigeria’s FMIST needs to commit a minimum investment of $200,000.

He explained that Grand Challenges Nigeria was launched in 2024 with support from the Office of the Vice President and the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.

The programme has funded 9 innovators with nearly N60 million each to develop proof-of-concept solutions. After 5 months, early results are promising and the team shared these with the Ministry whilst discussing plans for scaling projects and new investments.

The programme director highlighted that the Grand Challenges framework addresses development issues by crowdsourcing local innovations to solve difficult problems. Since joining the global Grand Challenges network in 2024, the programme has worked with stakeholders and the government to define priorities in health and food security. Current investments focus on maternal, newborn and child health, yielding results in machine learning, devices and primary healthcare systems, saving lives within months.

Grand Challenges Nigeria operates on three pillars: defining challenges by working with stakeholders and government to identify priority areas for innovation; directing innovation resources by providing funding, technical capacity and policy support to unlock solutions, with proof-of-concept grants of up to 60 million Naira per team; and commercialization and adoption, ensuring innovations achieve impact quickly through uptake by institutions and scale funding.

According to Bamsa, the investments span nearly all geopolitical zones in Nigeria, ensuring inclusive innovation support. He emphasised the programme’s commitment to impact-driven innovation, aiming to contribute to development quickly and effectively.

In response, Udeh enquired about the development status of the nine Grand Challenges Nigeria projects, noting they are research grants whilst underscoring the ministry’s core priorities around energised commercialisation.

It was confirmed that all projects are currently in the proof-of-concept stage, with each grantee receiving up to ₦60 million. This initial phase spans 12 to 15 months and includes testing, some of which are clinical trials. The next stage, scale-up funding, is anticipated around October this year and will be executed in partnership with various institutions. No projects are currently at a scalable level, but promising outcomes are already being observed.

The Grand Challenges model is that each challenge is government-owned, providing core funding whilst the network mobilizes matched funds. For initiatives like the upcoming Climate and Health, a minimum government contribution of $200,000 USD is required, which will be matched one-to-one by partners like the Gates Foundation.

This means for every project the government funds, the network funds another. For the current Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) projects, both seed and scale-up funding have already been secured from the Gates Foundation as part of a model to prove efficacy for government adoption.

Udeh acknowledged the critical timing of funding discussions, noting that budget cycles require such conversations to happen much earlier, for example, in November for the 2026 budget. Whilst the 2026 budget cycle for federal government funding may be missed, the Climate and Health portfolio is a five-year initiative, offering opportunities for future inclusion.

The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology retains ownership and flexibility to define additional portfolios beyond health, focusing on national priorities, with partners ready to match funding.

The minister emphasized that none of the research outcomes would be left on shelves, aligning with presidential priorities for sustainable economic growth and job creation.

An estimated 35 participants took part in the activity, including NSN members, students, volunteers, and security personnel. The walk was accompanied by drummers and placards carrying key cancer prevention and nutrition messages, drawing public attention and engagement along the route.

In addition, the Chairperson of the State Chapter held a discussion on cancer and nutrition, which was broadcast on Himma Radio (an agriculture-based radio station). The radio engagement further reinforced public education on the role of good nutrition in cancer prevention, management, and overall health.

In 2025, the Rivers State Chapter implemented several impactful nutrition activities, including community nutrition education sessions on maternal, infant and young child feeding (MIYCF), nutrition awareness campaigns on healthy diets and non-communicable disease prevention.

The chapter also participated in nutrition events and outreach programmes to promote food safety and optimal dietary practices among vulnerable populations.

Members also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening advocacy for improved nutrition policies, supporting evidence-based practice, and expanding community engagement initiatives in 2026 to further enhance nutrition outcomes in Rivers State.