The Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has urged Nigerians to adopt healthier eating habits by prioritising locally available natural foods to curb the rising prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases and improve overall well-being.
Dr Soludo, founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative, made the call in a statement issued in Awka, encouraging the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, roots and tubers, which she described as rich sources of nutrients needed to keep the body healthy and strong.
She said “replacing highly processed foods with wholesome local alternatives would help reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases, strengthen the immune system, improve digestion, maintain a healthy body weight and provide the energy required for daily activities.”
According to the Anambra First Lady, the increasing prevalence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and other diet-related illnesses underscores the need for Nigerians to return to healthier indigenous diets and embrace better nutrition as a preventive healthcare measure.
“One of the greatest gifts we can give our bodies is to go back to nature. Our local fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, roots and tubers are rich in the nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy and strong. When we choose natural foods over highly processed ones, we reduce the risk of many lifestyle diseases, boost our immunity, improve digestion, maintain a healthy body weight and enjoy more energy for our daily activities,” she said
Dr Soludo stressed that healthy eating is not about expensive meals or strict dieting but about making simple, informed food choices every day.
She urged Nigerians to embrace locally produced foods, noting that doing so would improve nutrition, support local farmers, strengthen food security and promote sustainable agricultural development.
She also advocated regular physical exercise, adequate hydration, sufficient rest and routine medical check-ups as essential components of healthy living.
She called on parents, schools and communities to encourage children to develop healthy eating habits from an early age.
The Governor’s wife urged Nigerians to view every healthy meal as an investment in a longer, stronger and more productive life, adding that consistent healthy lifestyle choices would contribute to improved public health and national development.
