The Kano State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme has called for enhanced collaboration with media organisations to drive behavioural change aimed at improving nutrition in intervention communities.
The call was made by Rabi Sadiq, Knowledge Management and Communication Officer for the programme, following advocacy visits to selected media houses in Kano on Friday.
Sadiq explained that the visits were part of efforts to raise awareness on the importance of proper nutrition, particularly among women, children, and other vulnerable groups benefiting from the SAPZ initiative. She emphasised that the media are critical partners in mobilising communities, disseminating nutrition messages, and supporting the Federal Government’s fight against malnutrition.
“The media remain strategic partners in advancing nutrition messaging, mobilising communities, and supporting government efforts to address malnutrition in rural areas,” she said.
The SAPZ initiative, jointly supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), state governments, and private investors, is currently in its first phase, covering seven states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Sadiq said that media organisations would be provided with access to experts, data, success stories, and other materials to enable impactful reporting on nutrition. The advocacy visits followed a media-preference survey conducted in October 2025 to identify preferred communication channels, prime times, and tools for reaching target audiences, including women of reproductive age, youths, and persons with special needs.
The survey revealed that Radio Kano, Express Radio, Arewa Radio, and Dala FM are the most listened-to radio stations, while Arewa24 and ARTV are the preferred television platforms in local government areas with reliable power and internet. Morning hours were identified as the optimal time to reach audiences.
Speaking at the advocacy, Auwal Umar, Nutrition Officer at the Kano State Ministry of Health, stressed that strengthening nutrition education and multi-sectoral interventions, including media partnerships, is essential in tackling malnutrition.
All visited stations pledged support for the SAPZ programme, with Arewa24 already airing a dedicated nutrition programme that reaches several African countries while promoting African cultural values.