Ohanaeze decries harmful eating habits, calls for return to traditional Igbo food

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the leading socio-cultural Igbo organization, has expressed concern over detrimental eating habits prevalent among the South-Eastern residents. According to the organization, these eating habits are responsible for the majority of modern-day illnesses that afflict the population.

During a recent empowerment exercise in Dunukofia Local Government Area, the chapter's chairman, Chief Uchenna Nwoye, informed the gathered women selling traditional Igbo food condiments of the unfortunate trend and its impacts. Nwoye emphasized that local condiments not only taste better but are also healthier and more conducive to healthy living compared to junk food and fast food.

The empowerment exercise, conducted with a financial contribution of N20,000 to each of the 60 women selected from the six communities in the local government, aimed to support and encourage these women who are involved in producing and selling traditional Igbo food condiments and native delicacies. Nwoye underscored that the initiative is part of Ohanaeze Ndigbo's broader commitment to promoting and preserving Igbo culture, values, traditions, and indigenous food heritage.

Nwoye urged the people to embrace, patronize, and preserve the quality traditional foods and condiments handed down by their forefathers. He pointed out that local foods are not only healthier, tastier, and cheaper than junk food, but also contribute to the preservation of the rich cultural heritage for future generations.

The beneficiaries of the empowerment exercise, predominantly rural women in various markets, expressed their gratitude to Ohanaeze Ndigbo for their support. They also welcomed the call for a return to local Igbo condiments, which they believe will boost the patronage of their businesses. Most of these women are engaged in trading and producing local condiments such as okpeyi, ogiri, ukpaka, local dried pepper, and others.