Home / About us
Nigeria's civil society platform for nutrition
CS-SUNN is a non-governmental, non-profit alliance of more than 400 organisations. We convene, coordinate and lead civil society engagement in nutrition governance, financing and advocacy — so that every Nigerian is food and nutrition secure.
Who we are
Built in 2015 to give civil society one voice on nutrition
Before 2015, nutrition civil society organisations in Nigeria worked in isolation, with no national platform, coordination or shared agenda. The SUN Movement Multi-Partner Trust Fund project, delivered with UNICEF, established CS-SUNN as Nigeria’s SUN Civil Society Alliance.
Today we work with government, legislators, development partners, the media and communities at national and state level. Through our state chapters we track nutrition budgets, push for policy implementation, and build the capacity of member organisations — and since 2025 we lead technical assistance to SUN Civil Society Alliances in Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia.
Mission, vision and values
Our mission
To mobilise non-state actors to generate evidence, build capacity, advocate, and stimulate communities to scale up nutrition in Nigeria.
Our vision
A Nigeria where every citizen has access to adequate nutrition for healthy living and development.
Our values: POACHER
- Professionalism
- Ownership
- Accountability
- Commitment
- Honesty
- Excellence
- Recognition
Strategic focus areas
Nutrition policy advocacy
Nutrition governance and systems
Nutrition financing
Monitoring, evaluation and learning
Civil society capacity development
South-South learning
Our journey
A decade of nutrition advocacy
2015
CS-SUNN established through the SUN Movement Multi-Partner Trust Fund, with Local Working Groups in 10 states and the FCT. The project met all five of its outcomes.
PACFaH years
As nutrition lead in the PACFaH coalition, CS-SUNN helped lift Kaduna’s health allocation from 7.37% in 2014 to 11.4% in 2017.
2018
PINNS 1.0 begins with the Gates Foundation in Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Nasarawa and Niger.
2021
The National Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition is launched; PINNS 2.0 begins.
2022–2023
Nigeria’s first national coalition on women and girls’ nutrition formed under the WGN project; the Increased Investment in Nutrition project starts across 19 states.
2024
The National SUN Civil Society Youth Network is founded with 110+ advocates; 27 State Houses of Assembly now have nutrition committees.
2025 to date
PINNS 3.0 drives multiple micronutrient supplement scale-up and extends CS-SUNN’s model to Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia.
CS-SUNN at a glance
400+
Coalition member organisations
30
States reached
12
Programmes delivered
4
Countries in our knowledge network
Source: CS-SUNN Organisational Fact Sheet, 2026
Governance
Who leads CS-SUNN
A Board of Trustees provides oversight, an elected Steering Committee of member representatives sets direction, and a management team runs the national secretariat in Abuja.
Board of Trustees
Dr. Esther Manghza
MemberSteering Committee
Chairperson
Nutrition and social policy expert; former CS-SUNN Kaduna State Coordinator.
Jessica Bartholomew
ChairpersonNutrition/Social Policy Expert | Development Consultant | Civil Society Leader
Jessica Bartholomew is a seasoned Nutrition and Social Policy Expert with over a decade of experience shaping development policy and strengthening accountability systems at community, state, and national levels in Nigeria. Her work sits at the intersection of evidence, advocacy, and governance—translating technical expertise into institutional reforms and measurable public sector outcomes. Throughout her career, Jessica has provided strategic leadership in nutrition governance, social protection, financial inclusion, and organizational development. She has led policy engagement processes, field research, data-driven advocacy, and multi-stakeholder coordination efforts for multinational organizations, civil society networks, and the Kaduna State Government. Her approach combines rigorous analysis with practical implementation, enabling sustainable systems change rather than short-term interventions.
As the immediate past State Coordinator of the Civil Society–Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS SUNN), Kaduna State Chapter, she led landmark reforms that strengthened nutrition governance and financing in the state. Under her leadership: • A Committee on Food and Nutrition Security was established at the Kaduna State House of Assembly, creating a formal legislative platform for nutrition oversight and accountability. • Dedicated nutrition budget lines were institutionalized across key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), significantly improving transparency and resource allocation. • Nutrition Directorates were established within critical MDAs, embedding nutrition coordination within government structures. • Nutrition financing was decentralized through the introduction of nutrition budget lines at Local Government Area level, advancing community-responsive funding. • The Kaduna State Government committed to the Child Nutrition Fund, signaling high-level political prioritization of nutrition investment. • Crèche facilities were established across five MDAs, strengthening childcare support systems for working mothers and contributing to improved child nutrition outcomes.
These reforms reflect her capacity to convert civil society advocacy into policy commitments, institutional structures, and sustainable financing mechanisms.
Jessica currently serves as: • Steering Committee Chairperson, CS SUNN • National Secretary, Network on Social Protection Advocacy Network (NSPAN) • Chairperson, Kaduna Social Protection Accountability Coalition (KADSPAC).
She is recognized for building coalitions, driving evidence-based advocacy, and strengthening accountability frameworks that amplify community voices in policy processes. Her work continues to focus on advancing inclusive governance, sustainable nutrition financing, and systems-level reforms that improve social outcomes across Nigeria.
Co-Chairman
Executive Director, Food For All Global Aid Foundation; former Oyo State Coordinator.
Adio Olusegun
Co-ChairmanAdio Olusegun is the immediate past State Coordinator of, Civil society scaling up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) Oyo state chapter and the chairman National reconciliation committee of CSSUNN Nigeria. With his experience leading coalitions and networks of civil society organizations in Oyo state and CSSUNN nationally.
He had quite a track record as a leader in various roles likely include State coordinator civil society in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN), Network of Civil society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), Deputy Coordinator Civil Society on HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (CISHAN). He is the Executive Director of Food For All Global Aid Foundation. His areas of expertise cover Leadership, Advocacy and Community Mobilization, service delivery in Family Health, Nutrition and wellbeing. He has served as Research Assistant per capital Consumption project, department of Human Nutrition, College of Medicine and as Osun State Team lead: Compilation of Nigeria Food Composition Table, southwest Region; World Bank assisted.
He further served as Social Mobilization Officer, Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey and Project Consultant on child labour sensitization and awareness. He also worked as Programme officer/ Nutrition educator :Youth and family life survival foundation, Program Officer: Global Fund Tb Active case finding in Oyo state, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, National Social Investment Program (N-Power, Home grown School Feeding and Cash- Transfer), State Monitoring Officer, Maternal, New born and Child Health week, Volunteer lecturer in department of Nutrition and Dietetics school of hygiene, Eleyele Ibadan and Member State Task Group on Sanitation
He is a member, Technical Working Group for the development of Oyo State strategic plan of food and Nutrition, Member Technical Working Group for the development of Oyo State WASH policy, Member Technical Working Group for the development of Oyo State social protection policy, Member Technical Working Group for the development of situation analysis of children and women in Oyo State and member technical working group on the development of Oyo State Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action For Food and Nutrition.
A Registered member of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria. Adio Olusegun’s educational background is in AIMLS (Microbiology) BSc. Human Nutrition, MSc. Medical Sociology and MSc. Human Nutrition. He is also skilled in Photography.
Lead, Capacity Building
Public health professional; leads Quiva Fillas Educational Foundation; former Rivers State Coordinator.
Obiageli Miriam Azogu
Lead, Capacity BuildingObiageli Miriam Azogu is a seasoned public health professional, educator, nutrition advocate, and community development leader with extensive experience in food security and public health interventions. She holds a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) degree in Food Science and Technology from the Federal University of Technology Owerri, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the University of Port Harcourt, and a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of South Wales, United Kingdom. She is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Public Health at UNICAF University,Zambia. Mrs. Azogu serves as the Executive Director of Quiva Fillas Educational Foundation, where she champions educational and nutritional interventions for children and adolescents. She is also a secondary school nutrition instructor and a passionate public health advocate dedicated to improving community health outcomes. Her leadership experience includes serving for two years as Deputy State Coordinator and five years as State Coordinator of CS-SUNN. During her tenure, she contributed significantly to the development of the Rivers State Multisectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (2024–2028). She also spearheaded the “Veggies for Kiddies” campaign, promoting home vegetable gardening as a sustainable strategy to improve child nutrition and household food security. Mrs. Azogu is a member of the Home Economics Teachers Association of Nigeria and Graduate Women International. She is also a Fellow of Leadership Development for Accelerated Progress in Nutrition in Nigeria (LEDANN), reflecting her commitment to advancing nutrition leadership and sustainable public health development in Nigeria.
Lead, Resource Mobilisation
Finance professional with over 20 years in the NGO sector.
Elder Kenneth Amogu
Lead, Resource MobilisationA graduate of Accountancy, highly motivated finance person with over 20 years of experience (no indictment of any kind, no query, no fraud case), especially working in the finance unit and in the Non-Governmental Organization (Development) Sector, coordinating various activities for financial resource mobilization, financial analysis, Planning, budgeting, monitoring of financial compliance and implementation of project funds and timely reporting of funds received. Experienced in proposal budgeting, financial retirement & reporting, risk management, financial data analysis and stakeholder communication, providing supervisory roles to ensure strict compliance to government statutory requirements. Have a proven track record of driving adherence to statutory requirements and compliance to funders laid down details. A development advocate, that have provided advice for strategic financial decisions and process improvements, managing successfully project funds from notable funders like Ford Foundation, National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, PACT, Harvestplus, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND), etc. Have provided the much needed financial resources management and support to an organization, which enabled her make reasonable savings, forming the spring board for acquiring a landed property and developing it to her corporate head office that is currently housing the organization till date. Enjoys strong commitment to nurturing/ hand-holding mentoring of both emerging and existing organizations. I am a member of the Board of 3 other development organizations (NGO), a Strong team player and believer in the power of team work and collaboration, totally committed to delivery of accurate and timely financial insights to inform decision making.
Lead, Research and Policy
Directs Greater Life Initiative; 19 years in research and policy; former FCT Chapter Coordinator.
Ngozika Blessing Ibhadode
Lead, Research and PolicyNgozika is the immediate past Coordinator for Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) FCT Chapter and the Program Director of Greater Life Initiative, a national-level non-profit organization registered in Nigeria with the Corporate Affairs Commission in November 2010. She is a Public Health Professional, a seasoned independent researcher and administrator with wealth of knowledge and 19 years of experience in research, policy development and administration. She has functioned as a policy consultant for various reputable civil society organizations in Nigeria and contributed to the development of their organizational policies and procedural documents as well as strengthening their organizational systems and structures. Notable is her contribution in the holistic refinement of policy documents for the CS-SUNN National Secretariat in the 2018 Steering Committee and the development of relevant policies that were non-existent at the time. She also instituted the very first procurement committee for the Alliance, thereby bringing the procurement procedure of the Alliance up to standards and in compliance with best practices. Ngozika has seven publications in her name and has authored numerous abstracts and training manuals for healthcare service providers. She is a pioneer member and alumni of the Leadership Development for Accelerated Progress in Nutrition in Nigeria (LEDA-NN), a member of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria and the Society of Public Health Professionals.
Lead, Partnership and Collaboration
Chartered economist and social protection consultant; former Jigawa State Coordinator.
Shuaibu Musa Kafinga
Lead, Partnership and CollaborationShuaibu Musa Kafingana a Fellow Charted Economist of Nigeria (FCE), a consultant on Social Protection and Nutrition with vast experience of over 22 years. Currently Chair Person Jigawa Social Protection Platform (JISOP), Chairman Jigawa Coalition of Civil Society on Nutrition (JICON), Co-Chair alongside, the current Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning Jigawa State, under Jigawa Partnership for Climate Action, Economic Empowerment and Responsive Governance (JIPERGO), member Jigawa State Advisory Committee on Disability Fund, Member Jigawa State Social Protection Technical Working Group (TWG), Member Jigawa Social Protection Council under able leadership of His Excellency the Deputy Governor Jigawa State, member State Committee on Food and Nutrition Jigawa State, immediate past State Coordinator Civil Society Scaling up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) Jigawa Chapter, now lead partnership and collaboration under National Steering Committee of Civil Society Scaling up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN).
Onyinye Mamah
SC Lead, Advocacy
Sodangi Chindo Adam
Ex OfficioManagement team
Finance Manager
Anthony Adakole
Finance ManagerAnthony Adakole is an accomplished finance and development professional with more than 15 years of experience leading financial management, grants administration, and operations within international non-profit and development organizations. He has a proven track record of strengthening financial systems, ensuring donor compliance, and driving operational efficiency across multi-million-dollar donor-funded projects.
He currently serves as Finance and Grants Manager at Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), where he oversees financial strategy, donor compliance, and grants management while supporting organizational growth and sustainability. His previous leadership roles with Management Sciences for Health (MSH), Family Health International (FHI360), and Society for Family Health (SFH) highlight his depth in financial reporting, donor relations, internal controls, and team leadership.
Anthony is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), and holds an MSc in Accounting, an MBA (Finance & Investment), and a BSc in Accounting. Passionate about using finance as a catalyst for impact, he combines technical expertise with strategic insight to support organizational success and sustainable development.
HR-Admin Manager
Mary Damilola Makanjuola
HR-Admin ManagerMary Damilola Babatunde, MBA, B.A. MSC, SHRM-SCP is an accomplished HR and Administration Manager with over 8 years of experience across non-profit, financial services, consulting, and real estate sectors. She currently serves as the Country HR/Admin Manager at the Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), where she leads HR strategy, employee engagement, organizational development, and compliance.
Mary holds a B.A. in Religion and Philosophy from Obafemi Awolowo University and an MBA from Rome Business School, MSC In Human Resources Nexford University. She is globally certified as a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), a Professional in Human Resources – International (PHRi), and a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM Nigeria).
Her expertise spans HR analytics, performance management, culture transformation, and leadership development. She has successfully implemented HR frameworks that improved efficiency across multi-state operations and spearheaded capacity-building initiatives that enhanced staff performance and donor project delivery.
Beyond her corporate HR leadership, Mary drives Corporate-Preneur, an initiative that equips students and professionals with career ownership skills, workplace readiness, and the “corporatepreneurial” mindset—helping individuals innovate within organizations while aligning personal growth with institutional success.
Passionate about people, leadership, and impact, Mary is committed to building systems that empower individuals and strengthen organizations for sustainable growth.
Veronica Kingson
Internal Audit & Compliance Officer
Communication & Campaign Manager
Peters Olushola
Communication & Campaign ManagerPeters Olushola is the Communications and Campaign Manager at CS-SUNN, leading high-impact advocacy, storytelling, and stakeholder engagement initiatives that drive nutrition and food security outcomes across Nigeria.
His professional expertise spans multiple sectors including education, health, technology, ICT and broadcasting, social development, and nutrition-focused development programs. With over a decade of experience, Peters has designed and executed national campaigns, built and mentored communications teams, and managed multi-stakeholder programs across these sectors, consistently delivering measurable impact.
He previously served as Director of Communications at NewGlobe, overseeing national campaigns for EdoBEST (World Bank-funded) and KwaraLEARN, reaching over 15 million Nigerians through multi-channel communication campaigns. Peters also led communications for Sydani Group across Nigeria and Kenya, supporting global partners including Gavi, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, US CDC, NPHCDA, and Palladium to amplify program impact and elevate organizational visibility.
Peters began his career at Streetbees UK, an AI-driven tech market research company, managing customer engagement and community growth across 189 countries. He has also held leadership roles in ICT, broadcasting, and social development companies, where he built teams, scaled communications, and executed high-value campaigns.
He holds an Executive MBA in Marketing from Ahmadu Bello University and is a certified business manager from the African Management Institute, Nairobi, Kenya. Peters also holds multiple professional certifications in digital marketing, Google Data Analytics, content marketing, and project management.
He combines strategic insight, data-driven storytelling, and practical expertise in communications, public engagement, and campaign management. Outside work, he enjoys research, content creation, public speaking, and mentoring emerging communications professionals.
Snr. Procurement & Logisitics Officer
Kingsley Ochaje
Snr. Procurement & Logisitics OfficerKingsley Ochaje is a highly skilled Senior Procurement and Logistics Officer with extensive experience in managing end-to-end procurement processes, vendor relations, and contract management within the development and non-profit sectors. With a strong background in donor compliance, Ochaje has successfully overseen the procurement of goods and services in line with the requirements of international donors such as UNICEF, BMGF, and other global partners.
Known for a detail-oriented and transparent approach, Ochaje has led procurement committees, conducted bid evaluations, developed procurement policies, and provided strategic guidance to ensure value for money, accountability, and efficiency. Beyond compliance, Ochaje is passionate about fostering fair competition, building strong supplier relationships, and promoting sustainable and ethical procurement practices.
In the role of Senior Procurement Officer at CS-SUNN, ochaje plays a key role in supporting project delivery through timely procurement planning, risk mitigation, and effective resource management. With proven expertise in negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building, Ochaje is committed to strengthening procurement systems that contribute to organizational growth and impact.
MEAL Officer
Jibril Ogbaji
MEAL OfficerOgbaji Jibrin is a seasoned Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Specialist with over a decade of experience in project management, data analysis, and community engagement within the not-for-profit sector. He has a proven track record in designing and implementing MEAL systems, capacity building, and leveraging data-driven insights to enhance program efficiency and impact. Jibrin is adept at stakeholder engagement, strategic communication, and promoting evidence-based decision-making. He is fluent in multiple languages, proficient in a wide range of analytical tools, and is highly regarded for his ability to manage complex projects with precision and professionalism
State chapters
State coordinators
Each chapter coordinator leads advocacy, budget tracking and community engagement in their state.
- AdamawaIbrahim Bello
- Akwa IbomDr Olugbemi Motilewa
- BauchiMaureen Jibrin Musa
- BayelsaEkinabhari-Ototo Unity
- BenueItyonzughul Rachel Mbazamber
- BornoAisha M. Maidala
- Cross RiverUbana Nkem Eyong
- DeltaJohn Ogbeide
- EbonyiAnele Okoragha
- EnuguFinian Ali
- FCTUshang Aniah Joseph
- GombeComfort Mukollo
- ImoElder Kenneth Amogu
- JigawaMohammed Ahmed
- KadunaCelestina Ngare Ayim
- KanoZainab Ali Musa
- KatsinaDr SabiuLiadi
- KebbiRachael Samuel Hassana
- KwaraFatoye Francis
- LagosSamuel Akinyode
- NasarawaAboki Jonah
- NigerFelix Tyover Igba
- OndoOlabisi Omolona
- OyoFatola Olubayo
- PlateauBarrister Hadiza Miner
- RiversEmmanuel Nwosu
- SokotoRabiu Bello Gandi
- YobeTanimu Salifu
- ZamfaraKabiru Isah Jangeru
Accountability
Policies, plans and reports
We publish the documents that govern how we work and how we spend.
Organisational policies
Strategy
Our Strategic Plan sets priorities for maternal and child nutrition, food security and community mobilisation.
Annual reports
[Upload]
[Upload]
[Upload]