Lagos state advices mothers to eat foods with nutritional values

On Nov 1, 2023

The Lagos State government has advised nursing mothers to embrace the habit of eating foods with nutritional values to guard their children against malnutrition.

Mrs Bolaji Dada, the State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), gave the advice while addressing an audience at a stakeholders meeting on nutrition held on Wednesday at Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

“She said eating balanced diet would enhance their health and that of their children as well as protect the children from being malnourished. She said the ministry started the stakeholders meeting on nutrition two years ago to reach out to women and educate them on the benefits of healthy nutrition. The health of a nation starts with a healthy family. The state government has decided to reach out to women through WAPA, to educate them on good nutritional foods,” she said.

“It is expected that women should take charge of their family’s nutrition to ensure their children take the appropriate balanced diets. Food doesn’t have to be very expensive; what is important is that the right proportion should be taken. Over 2,200 homes in the state have benefited from this programme and it will be a continuous one,” she added.

According to report, no fewer than 200 participants at the event, mostly women, were provided with free nutritional packs which contained eggs, beans, chicken, palm oil, vegetable oil and Semovita.

Mr Olusola Malomo, a Nutritionist from the Ajeromi General Hospital, advised participants to embrace good eating habits to stay healthy.

“You don’t need to spend huge amount of money to eat foods that are nutritional. You should be taking fruits and vegetables in your daily consumption and shun unhealthy food,” he said.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to the NAN lauded the state government for the initiative. The participants benefited from voluntary medical check-ups which included screening for cervical cancer.

NAN/Wumi