Lagos urges residents to embrace healthy eating

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lagos State, Bolaji Dada

The Lagos State Government has emphasised the importance of proper nutrition in improving public health, strengthening families and boosting economic productivity through its food and nutrition programme.

The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Dada, stated this on Thursday during the programme at the WAPA Skills Acquisition Centre, Isheri-Olowora, according to a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Rianat Onigbanjo.

Dada said the initiative was part of the state government’s efforts to promote healthy eating, improve 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.

She explained that the programme was being implemented across different locations in Lagos to improve residents’ wellbeing, particularly women and girls.

The commissioner added that the initiative complemented discussions on improved nutrition at the Women in Power Conference 2026.

According to her, the programme provides medical screening, professional nutrition education and healthy food packs to beneficiaries across the five IBILE divisions of Lagos State.

She noted that proper nutrition was essential to human capital development, adding that healthy women and girls were better positioned to care for their families, pursue economic opportunities and contribute to society.

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Dada said the ministry’s poverty alleviation strategy combined skills acquisition and economic support with programmes designed to improve health and wellbeing.

“I encourage everyone here to take the lessons from this programme beyond today. Let us make healthier food choices, pay attention to the nutritional needs of our families and share this knowledge with others in our communities,” she said.

Speaking on the topic, Healthy Woman, Healthy Life: Eating Well, Staying Clean and Preventing Disease, nutritionist Olusola Malomo urged women to prioritise balanced diets, personal hygiene and preventive healthcare.

“Affordable foods such as rice, yam and garri should be combined with protein sources like beans, eggs and fish, alongside vegetables and fruits whenever they are available,” Malomo said.

He advised participants to cut down on excessive salt and sugar consumption, sugary drinks and heavily processed foods, while drinking safe water and maintaining proper hygiene.

“Regular health checks, including blood pressure and blood glucose screening, are important because some medical conditions may exist without obvious symptoms,” he said.

Malomo also highlighted the importance of iron-rich foods, particularly for women, advising those experiencing persistent tiredness, dizziness or heavy menstrual bleeding to seek medical attention rather than self-medicate.

“Women should remain physically active, get adequate rest and seek professional guidance before taking supplements,” he added.