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UN: SDG 2, Zero Hunger may not be Achieved in 2030
UN: SDG 2, Zero Hunger may not be Achieved in 2030
***1/5th of Africans Faced Hunger in 2023
By: Michael Mike
The World is at the risk of not achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 and Zero Hunger by 2030.
The annual report, launched this year in the context of the G20 Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty Task Force Ministerial Meeting in Brazil, issued by five United Nations (UN) agencies has warned.
The report which showed that the world has been set back 15 years, with levels of undernourishment comparable to those in 2008-2009, disclosed that around 733 million people faced hunger in 2023, equivalent to one in eleven people globally and one in five in Africa, according to the latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) published on Wednesday by five United Nations specialized agencies.
A statement on Thursday by the United Nations agencies said despite some progress in specific areas such as stunting and exclusive breastfeeding, an alarming number of people continue to face food insecurity and malnutrition as global hunger levels have plateaued for three consecutive years, with between 713 and 757 million people undernourished in 2023—approximately 152 million more than in 2019 when considering the mid-range (733 million).
The statement said: “Regional trends vary significantly: the percentage of the population facing hunger continues to rise in Africa (20.4 percent), remains stable in Asia (8.1 percent)—though still representing a significant challenge as the region is home to more than half of those facing hunger worldwide —and shows progress in Latin America (6.2 percent). From 2022 to 2023, hunger increased in Western Asia, the Caribbean, and most African subregions.
“If current trends continue, about 582 million people will be chronically undernourished in 2030, half of them in Africa, warn the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organisation (WHO). This projection closely resembles the levels seen in 2015 when the Sustainable Development Goals the were adopted, marking a concerning stagnation in progress.”
The report highlighted that access to adequate food remains elusive for billions. In 2023, around 2.33 billion people globally faced moderate or severe food insecurity, a number that has not changed significantly since the sharp upturn in 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those, over 864 million people experienced severe food insecurity, going without food for an entire day or more at times.
The report added that this number has remained stubbornly high since 2020 and while Latin America showed improvement, broader challenges persist, especially in Africa where 58 percent of the population is moderately or severely food insecure.
“The lack of economic access to healthy diets also remains a critical issue, affecting over one-third of the global population. With new food price data and methodological improvements, the publication reveals that over 2.8 billion people were unable to afford a healthy diet in 2022. This disparity is most pronounced in low-income countries, where 71.5 percent of the population cannot afford a healthy diet, compared to 6.3 percent in high-income countries. Notably, the number dropped below pre-pandemic levels in Asia and in Northern America and Europe, while it increased substantially in Africa.
“While progress has been made in increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates among infants to 48%, achieving global nutrition targets will be a challenge. Low birthweight prevalence has stagnated around 15%, and stunting among children under five, while declining to 22.3%, still falls short of achieving targets. Additionally, the prevalence of wasting among children has not seen significant improvement while anaemia in women aged 15 to 49 years has increased,” the report further said.
According to the report: “Similarly, new estimates of adult obesity show a steady increase over the last decade, from 12.1 percent (2012) to 15.8 percent (2022). Projections indicate that by 2030, the world will have more than 1.2 billion obese adults. The double burden of malnutrition – the co-existence of undernutrition together with overweight and obesity – has also surged globally across all age groups. Thinness and underweight have declined in the last two decades, while obesity has risen sharply.
“These trends underscore the complex challenges of malnutrition in all its forms and the urgent need for targeted interventions as the world is not on track to reach any of the seven global nutrition targets by 2030, the five agencies indicate.
“Food insecurity and malnutrition are worsening due to a combination of factors, including persisting food price inflation that continues to erode economic gains for many people in many countries. Major drivers like conflict, climate change, and economic downturns are becoming more frequent and severe. These issues, along with underlying factors such as unaffordable healthy diets, unhealthy food environments and persistent inequality, are now coinciding simultaneously, amplifying their individual effects.”
This year’s report’s theme “Financing to end hunger, food insecurity and all forms of malnutrition’’, emphasized that achieving SDG 2 Zero Hunger requires a multi-faceted approach, including transforming and strengthening agrifood systems, addressing inequalities, and ensuring affordable and accessible healthy diets for all. It calls for increased and more cost-effective financing, with a clear and standardized definition of financing for food security and nutrition.
The heads of the five UN agencies, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu; IFAD President Alvaro Lario; UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell; WFP’s Executive Director Cindy McCain; and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus write in the report’s Foreword: “Estimating the gap in financing for food security and nutrition and mobilizing innovative ways of financing to bridge it must be among our top priorities. Policies, legislation and interventions to end hunger and ensure all people have access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food (SDG Target 2.1), and to end all forms of malnutrition (SDG Target 2.2) need significant resource mobilization. They are not only an investment in the future, but our obligation. We strive to guarantee the right to adequate food and nutrition of current and future generations”.
The statement said, as highlighted during a recent event in the High-Level Political Forum at UN headquarters in New York, the report underscores that the looming financing gap necessitates innovative, equitable solutions, particularly for countries facing high levels of hunger and malnutrition exacerbated by climate impacts.
It said: “Countries most in need of increased financing face significant challenges in access. Among the 119 low- and middle-income countries analyzed, approximately 63 percent have limited or moderate access to financing. Additionally, the majority of these countries (74 percent) are impacted by one or more major factors contributing to food insecurity and malnutrition. Coordinated efforts to harmonize data, increase risk tolerance, and enhance transparency are vital to bridge this gap and strengthen global food security and nutrition frameworks.
The FAO Director-General, Qu Dongyu said: “Transforming agrifood systems is more critical than ever as we face the urgency of achieving the SDGs within six short years. FAO remains committed to supporting countries in their efforts to eradicate hunger and ensure food security for all. We will work together with all partners and with all approaches, including the G20 Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, to accelerate the needed change. Together, we must innovate and collaborate to build more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems that can better withstand future challenges for a better world.”
IFAD President, Alvaro Lario: “The fastest route out of hunger and poverty is proven to be through investments in agriculture in rural areas. But the global and financial landscape has become far more complex since the Sustainable Development Goals were adopted in 2015. Ending hunger and malnutrition demands that we invest more – and more smartly. We must bring new money into the system from the private sector and recapture the pandemic-era appetite for ambitious global financial reform that gets cheaper financing to the countries who need it most.”
UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell: “Malnutrition affects a child’s survival, physical growth, and brain development. Global child stunting rates have dropped by one third, or 55 million, in the last two decades, showing that investments in maternal and child nutrition pay off. Yet globally, one in four children under the age of five suffers from undernutrition, which can lead to long-term damage. We must urgently step-up financing to end child malnutrition. The world can and must do it. It is not only a moral imperative but also a sound investment in the future.”
WFP Executive Director, Cindy McCain: “A future free from hunger is possible if we can rally the resources and the political will needed to invest in proven long-term solutions. I call on G20 leaders to follow Brazil’s example and prioritize ambitious global action on hunger and poverty. “We have the technologies and know-how to end food insecurity – but we urgently need the funds to invest in them at scale. WFP is ready to step up our collaboration with governments and partners to tackle the root causes of hunger, strengthen social safety nets and support sustainable development so every family can live in dignity.”
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: “The progress we have made on reducing stunting and improving exclusive breastfeeding shows that the challenges we face are not insurmountable. We must use those gains as motivation to alleviate the suffering that millions of people around the world endure every day from hunger, food insecurity, unhealthy diets and malnutrition. The substantial investment required in healthy, safe and sustainably produced food is far less than the costs to economies and societies if we do nothing.”
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World is an annual report jointly prepared by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Since 1999, it has monitored and analysed the world’s progress towards ending hunger, achieving food security and improving nutrition. It also provides an in-depth analysis of key challenges for achieving these goals in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The report targets a wide audience, including policymakers, international organizations, academic institutions and the general public.
This year’s theme is timely and relevant in the run-up to the Summit of the Future, and the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in 2025.
UN: SDG 2, Zero Hunger may not be Achieved in 2030
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President Tinubu: We’re Mobilising All Military Assets To Protect Nigerians, Crush Security Threats
President Tinubu: We’re Mobilising All Military Assets To Protect Nigerians, Crush Security Threats
** Procures mine-resistant vehicles, new armoured fleet for armed forces modernisation
** Charges troops on discipline, professionalism, adherence to constitutional order
By: Our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated his administration’s firm resolve to mobilise all military and law enforcement assets to crush security threats and protect the lives all citizens of Nigeria.
Accordingly, he announced the procurement of mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles and a new armoured fleet for the military, as well as the refurbishment of over 100 Armoured Fighting Vehicles for return to active service.
President Tinubu disclosed this in Ojuelegba, Lagos State, on Monday when he declared open the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025.
Speaking at Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks, venue of the conference, the President who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, reaffirmed that security remains a central pillar of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“There is no nation that can achieve greatness without security. This government remains resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians,” he said.
The Nigerian leader noted that his administration is firmly committed to the modernisation of the Armed Forces through improved training, modern equipment and enhanced operational capacity.
He said beyond the recent induction of helicopters into Nigerian Army Aviation and the training of pilots, the government has advanced the procurement of additional Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, Armoured Vehicles and Patrol Vehicles to boost troop protection and battlefield effectiveness.
His words: “Following the induction of helicopters into Nigerian Army Aviation and the training of pilots, we have advanced the procurement of additional Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, Armoured Vehicles, and Patrol Vehicles.
“We have also refurbished over one hundred Armoured Fighting Vehicles, now returned to active service. These efforts reflect our clear commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness.”
He added that the Federal Government is deepening partnerships with friendly nations to promote research, innovation and indigenous defence production, with the long-term goal of achieving self-reliance in defence and security.
Commending the Nigerian Army for what he described as impressive gains in the fight against terrorism and other security challenges, President Tinubu said reports from various theatres of operation point to improved outcomes driven by professionalism, courage and effective joint operations with sister services and security agencies.
“The positive reports emerging from the various theatres of operation are encouraging and stand as testimony to your resilience and professionalism,” he said.
The President assured the military of the government’s unwavering support in fulfilling its constitutional mandate of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, noting that security is one of the eight priority areas of his administration.
He also stressed the importance of discipline, professionalism and adherence to constitutional order, describing the apolitical posture of the Armed Forces as critical to sustaining public trust.
President Tinubu further praised the Nigerian Army’s civil-military cooperation initiatives across the country, noting that security efforts must also focus on winning hearts, restoring dignity and supporting development at the grassroots.
Paying tribute to fallen soldiers, the President said their sacrifices remain permanently etched in Nigeria’s national memory, assuring that the government will continue to support their families and improve the welfare of serving personnel in recognition of their service to the nation.
Earlier, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the Nigerian Army for its efforts in strengthening civil–military relations in the state.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to supporting the Army in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities within the state and beyond.
In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), confirmed the commitment of the Tinubu administration, through the Ministry of Defence, to providing continuous policy direction for the Nigerian Army.
He called on officers and commanders to remain loyal and united, stressing the need for collective support to enable the Army effectively address the country’s security challenges.
The Defence Minister also praised the officers and men currently deployed in various operations, even as he thanked Nigerians for their confidence in the Armed Forces, assuring that government would act with renewed vigour and decisiveness in tackling prevailing security threats.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, unveiled a range of welfare packages designed to enhance the wellbeing of officers and men of the Nigerian Army.
He explained that the welfare packages are part of deliberate efforts to boost morale and improve operational effectiveness across the Army.
The Chief of Army Staff also disclosed that President Tinubu has consistently provided the operational needs of the Nigerian Army since assuming office.
He commended the Federal Government for meeting the operational demands of the Army, urging officers, particularly commanders and personnel on special operations, to justify the confidence reposed in them.
Reviewing the Army’s achievements over the past year, General Shaibu reaffirmed the readiness of the Nigerian Army to match government’s support with decisive action against terrorism and other security threats confronting the nation.
High point of the event was unveiling of a biography of the late former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, by Vice President Shettima, alongside senior military officers and other dignitaries.
The Vice President presented 15 Toyota Hilux vehicles to deserving warrant officers as part of efforts to motivate personnel and encourage excellence in service.
He also witnessed the presentation of cheques under the Nigerian Army Personnel Insurance Scheme to the families of five fallen soldiers.
The event was attended by representatives of the President of the Senate, former Defence and Army Chiefs, and traditional rulers, among others.
President Tinubu: We’re Mobilising All Military Assets To Protect Nigerians, Crush Security Threats
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Defence Minister urges unity, actionable strategies at COAS 10th annual conference to consolidate Nigeria’s security gains
Defence Minister urges unity, actionable strategies at COAS 10th annual conference to consolidate Nigeria’s security gains
By: Zagazola Makama
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has called for a decisive shift from discussion to action in addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges, stressing that the country’s gains against terrorism, banditry, and other criminal networks can only be sustained through joint operations, inter-agency collaboration, and collective national effort.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 10th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025 in Lagos, on Monday, General Musa described the gathering as a critical forum for assessing the operational posture, readiness, and professionalism of the Nigerian Army while aligning the service’s priorities with the nation’s strategic security objectives.
“The importance of this conference cannot be overstated,” General Musa said. “Nigeria continues to face a combination of terrorism, banditry, criminality, and other asymmetric threats that demand sustained focus, strategic clarity, and adaptive leadership. The Army, together with other security agencies and the society at large, must operate in unison to confront these threats effectively.”
The Minister highlighted that the operational capacity of terrorist groups, insurgents, and criminal networks has been significantly degraded across multiple theatres, attributing these gains to the courage and professionalism of the troops, improved planning, education, and coordinated joint operations conducted within a multi-agency framework.
“The truth of the matter is that no single service, no single individual, can achieve this alone,” he said. “Success in today’s security environment requires the whole of society working together in synergy.”
General Musa emphasized that inter-service cooperation and intelligence sharing are no longer optional but fundamental to effective national defense. He urged the Army leadership to ensure that the recommendations from the conference are implemented through concrete operational actions, stressing that strategic discussions must translate into measurable tactical outcomes.
“While we celebrate our successes, we must never lose sight of the human dimension of service,” he added, paying tribute to fallen soldiers, wounded personnel, and the families who bear the enduring cost of national service.
He commended the families of the late Lieutenant General Tariq Lagbajan and Brigadier General Oba for their sacrifices and underscored the government’s continued commitment to the welfare, medical care, and long-term support of personnel and their families.
General Musa also lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his professional trajectory, from battalion and brigade commands in the North East to theatre command, culminating in his appointment as the Army Chief. “Your leadership exemplifies operational excellence and a deep understanding of the challenges on the ground. The challenge before all senior commanders is to evolve new strategies to defeat the enemies of the state,” he said.
He further highlighted that security remains central to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reiterated the Federal Government’s unwavering support for the Armed Forces.
According to the Defence Minister, strategic direction, policy support, and capability development provided by the Ministry of Defence will ensure that the Armed Forces remain professional, responsive, and future-ready, while reinforcing institutional accountability and operational effectiveness.
“The Nigerian Army and indeed the Armed Forces have stabilized this country and will continue to do so. We must take these security challenges as our own and contribute individually and collectively to winning this war,” General Musa stated.
The 10th COAS Annual Conference, themed “Examine the Correct Landscape of Terrorism Through the Lengths of Diplomatic and Military Action: Strategies for Long-Term Prevention and Stabilization,”brings together senior commanders, security stakeholders, and resource persons to reflect on lessons learned, examine emerging threats, and propose practical measures to enhance operational readiness and effectiveness in the year ahead.
The Defence Minister concluded by thanking Nigerians for their support and the Governor of Lagos State for hosting the conference, noting that collaborative engagement between the government, security agencies, and citizens is key to sustaining national peace, security, and stability.
Defence Minister urges unity, actionable strategies at COAS 10th annual conference to consolidate Nigeria’s security gains
FG pledges full support for Army modernization, welfare at COAS annual conference 2025
By: Zagazola Makama
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has pledged the federal government’s unwavering support for the Nigerian Army, emphasizing modernization, operational readiness, and the welfare of personnel. The statement was made during the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025 in Lagos on Monday.
Represented by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, Tinubu highlighted the critical role of the Nigerian Army in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and maintaining peace amid evolving security challenges.
“There is no nation that can achieve greatness without security. The Nigerian Army has always risen to the nation’s call, and this administration remains resolute in mobilizing all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate threats and protect lives and property,” he said.
The Vice President commended the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu and officers across all ranks for transforming the Nigerian Army into a professional, resilient, and adaptable force capable of operating decisively within joint and multi-agency frameworks.
He noted that since assuming leadership, the government had closely monitored the army’s progress in training, administration, and operations.
The conference, themed “Examining the Current Landscape of Terrorism through Diplomatic and Military Lenses: Strategy for Long-term Prevention and Stabilization”, was described as timely and critical to national security planning.
“I urge frank and constructive discussions guided by realism and experience. Lead your engagements here, produce enduring strategies that will strengthen our collective resolve to secure Nigeria today and stabilize it for generations to come,” he stated.
The Vice President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the modernization of the armed forces, citing the induction of helicopters into the Nigerian Army Aviation, the training of pilots, procurement of additional mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, armored and patrol vehicles, and the refurbishment of over 100 armored fighting vehicles now returned to active service.
“These measures underscore our clear commitment to strengthening operational readiness and enhancing the army’s capacity to confront evolving threats,” he said.
In addition to operational support, Senator Shettima emphasized the welfare of personnel, noting the administration’s resolve to improve amenities and programs that reflect appreciation for the sacrifices of officers and soldiers.
“We must continue to motivate and enhance the welfare of serving personnel through improved amenities and programs that reflect our appreciation for your selfless service,” he said.
Paying tribute to past and present army leaders, the Vice President acknowledged the contributions of former Chiefs of Army Staff, retired generals, and serving commanders whose leadership shaped the army’s enduring legacy.
He also recognized the presence of members of the National Assembly, senior military personnel, and other distinguished guests attending the conference.
Concluding his address, Senator Shettima declared the COAS Annual Conference 2025 officially open on behalf of President Tinubu, reiterating the government’s firm support for the Nigerian Army’s constitutional mandate to defend the nation.
“With a deep sense of duty and unshakable faith in your professionalism, it is my singular honor and privilege to declare this conference open,” he said.
Zagazola report that the conference provides a platform for rigorous evaluation, strategic planning, and the formulation of practical, actionable solutions to reinforce national security, stabilize the nation, and secure Nigeria’s future.
FG pledges full support for Army modernization, welfare at COAS annual conference 2025
President Tinubu: We’re Mobilising All Military Assets To Protect Nigerians, Crush Security Threats
Remembering a soldier’s soldier: The life and legacy of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja
Lagos State Governor pledges unwavering support for Nigerian Army at 2025 COAS Annual Conference
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