Lagos urges residents to embrace healthy eating

The Lagos State Government has emphasized the significance of proper nutrition in enhancing public health, strengthening families, and boosting economic productivity through its food and nutrition programme. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Dada, announced this during a programme at the WAPA Skills Acquisition Centre in Lagos.

Dada stated that the initiative is part of the state government's efforts to promote healthy eating, raise nutrition awareness, and encourage residents to make informed food choices. "Beyond providing opportunities for economic empowerment, we must also ensure that our citizens are healthy, properly nourished, and strong enough to make meaningful use of the opportunities available to them," she said.

The programme, being implemented across various locations in Lagos, targets women and girls to improve overall wellbeing. It offers medical screening, professional nutrition education, and healthy food packs to beneficiaries in the state's five IBILE divisions. Dada highlighted that proper nutrition is crucial for human capital development, enabling healthy women and girls to care for families, pursue economic opportunities, and contribute to society.

Nutritionist Olusola Malomo advised women to prioritize balanced diets, personal hygiene, and preventive healthcare. He emphasized the importance of consuming affordable foods like rice, yam, and garri, combined with protein sources and vegetables and fruits. Malomo cautioned against excessive salt, sugar, sugary drinks, and heavily processed foods while stressing the significance of regular health checks, maintaining proper hygiene, and seeking medical attention when necessary.