WAPA TAKES HEALTHY NUTRITION ADVOCACY TO AJEROMI-IFELODUN COMMUNITIES

… Trains 300 Women on Healthy Dietary Patterns 
In a bid to promote healthy dietary habits and reduce the level of malnutrition amongst women in Lagos State, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), has organised a sensitisation campaign for women on the benefit of proper nutrition. 

The advocacy programme, themed “Multidimensional Approach on Healthy Nutrition”, is a community intervention designed to empower women at the grassroots on how to make informed decisions about their choice of meals and dietary practices.

Speaking at the intervention programme held recently at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Hall, Ifelodun LCDA, the Honourable Commissioner for WAPA, Hon. (Mrs.) Cecilia Bolaji Dada emphasised the importance of healthy eating habits, which promote good nutrition, as a means to maintaining qualitative health and overall well-being for women and adolescent girls.

She said, “One major challenge faced by women and adolescent girls in achieving healthy dietary habits, is due to the increased nutritional needs associated with menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation, therefore, it is important to make a conscious effort to prioritise good health and complete wellbeing”.

The Commissioner explained, “Lagos State is blessed with a rich agricultural heritage, and we are therefore surrounded by a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains that are indigenous to our region, this is why women are encouraged to incorporate these local edibles into their daily meals, and by doing this, they can ensure that they are consuming nutritious food while also supporting local farmers and businesses”.

While admitting that women are mostly at the receiving end of socio-economic challenges, Hon. Dada implored unemployed or underemployed women and residents to enrol in any of the WAPA 19 Skills Acquisition Centres across the Five Divisions of the State to learn anyone of the vocational skills that are tuition-free for a duration of six to 12 months.

She disclosed that efforts to improve access to quality and efficient healthcare delivery for women are paramount in Governor Sanwo-Olu’s agenda,  noting that early detection of diseases could prevent serious health complications.

“Beneficiaries are encouraged to utilise the free medical screening provided through the programme. Medical personnel is available to provide services such as checking blood pressure and sugar level, breast and cervical cancer screening, free medication, health education and counselling services”, she noted.

In his address, the Executive Chairman of Ifelodun LCDA, Hon. Femi Okeowo, who was represented by the Vice-chairman, Alhaja Toun Ojora, implored women to be mindful of what they consume and undergo regular medical checkups.

Also speaking, the Nutrition Officer for Ajeromi-Ifelodun General Hospital, Mr. Olusola Malomo, explained that women play vital roles in food selection and preparation, therefore they should avoid foods with preservatives, which is the underlying source of many prevailing health conditions.

He said, “You need to be intentional about good health and embrace eating fresh foods and fruits because of the positive health benefits and reduce your salt intake so that you can maintain a nutritionally balanced healthy lifestyle”.

One of the beneficiaries, Olufunke Bada, a resident of Ifelodun LCDA, applauded WAPA for the intervention programme and expressed gratitude for the free medical screening.
According to her, “I have learned a lot today and I now have a better understanding of the importance of a balanced diet and how to use even little resources to derive a healthy menu”.

Over 300 families in Ajeromi Local Government and Ifelodun Local Council Development Area (LCDA), were provided with Nutrition packs, consisting of healthy sustainable local staple foods given to every participant.