Vice President Kashim Shettima has officially launched the Grand Challenges Nigeria, a platform aimed at driving innovation and addressing critical health and development challenges in the country.

The initiative, which was launched on Monday, is part of the Global Grand Challenges family, which operates in seven African countries and Canada.

It is designed to foster collaboration between government and private sectors to deliver innovative solutions to national issues.

Piloted by the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Grand Challenges Nigeria aims to align Nigeria with global best practices in tackling pressing developmental problems.

During the event, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Hon. Chike Okafor, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the committee’s strides since its creation in February this year.

“Since the creation of the committee in February of this year, we have commenced various programs to achieve our mandate in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration,” he said.

Hon. Okafor emphasized the committee’s inclusive approach, noting that they have expanded collaboration efforts to include all relevant stakeholders.

“We have widened our doors to accommodate every stakeholder,” he stated, adding that the committee has concluded its work with various state houses of assembly to establish similar committees at the state level.

He further assured that the committee remains focused on addressing the nation’s pressing challenges, particularly in food security and nutrition.

Grand Challenges Nigeria is expected to catalyze innovation in health, science, and development, contributing to the broader goals of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The event indicates the government’s commitment to fostering partnerships that will drive Nigeria’s development forward.