LAGOS PROMOTES HEALTHY LIVING THROUGH OUNJE LO’ RE AWO NUTRITION PROGRAMME

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting healthy living, improving nutrition and strengthening family welfare through the Ounje Lo’ Re Awo Food and Nutrition Programme organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA).

The programme was held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the WAPA Skills Acquisition Centre, Isheri-Olowora, Lagos State, as part of efforts to promote healthy eating, disease prevention and improved well-being among residents.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. (Mrs.) Bolaji Cecilia Dada, said the well-being of residents remained a priority for the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

She stressed that economic empowerment must go hand in hand with good health and proper nutrition, noting that beneficiaries could only maximise available opportunities when they were healthy enough to make productive use of them.

Dada explained that the Ounje Lo’ Re Awo programme promotes balanced diets, healthy food choices and informed nutritional practices. She added that the initiative provides medical screening, professional nutrition education and healthy food packs to beneficiaries across the five IBILE divisions of Lagos State.

The commissioner also highlighted the importance of nutrition advocacy at the 2026 Women in Power Conference, organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with WAPA and the Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN).

She disclosed that she was recognised as a Champion for Optimal Nutrition at the conference, adding that the recognition had further strengthened the Ministry’s commitment to promoting nutrition awareness among women, girls and families.

According to her, poverty alleviation requires a holistic approach that combines economic support with initiatives that improve the health and well-being of beneficiaries.

She encouraged participants to adopt healthier eating habits, pay attention to their families’ nutritional needs and share the knowledge acquired with others in their communities.

In a presentation titled “Healthy Woman, Healthy Life: Eating Well, Staying Clean and Preventing Disease,” nutritionist Dietitian Olusola Malomo emphasised the importance of affordable balanced diets, personal hygiene and preventive healthcare, particularly among women.

He explained that healthy eating does not necessarily require expensive food items, noting that locally available foods such as beans, eggs, fish, vegetables and seasonal fruits can contribute to a balanced diet.

He also encouraged participants to drink safe water regularly, wash their hands with soap and water before eating and after using the toilet, and maintain clean food preparation areas and surroundings.

On disease prevention, the nutritionist advised participants to reduce excessive salt and sugar consumption, limit unhealthy fats and processed foods, and engage in regular physical activities such as walking.

He further highlighted the importance of monitoring blood pressure and blood glucose levels, warning that conditions such as hypertension and diabetes may occur without obvious symptoms.

Olusola also addressed women’s nutritional needs at different stages of life, stressing the importance of iron-rich foods such as beans, fish, meat and leafy vegetables in helping to prevent anaemia.

He advised women experiencing persistent tiredness, dizziness or heavy menstrual bleeding to seek medical assessment rather than self-medicate with iron supplements.

The nutritionist further encouraged women to prioritise adequate sleep, rest and their general well-being while seeking professional medical advice when necessary.

He urged participants to attend routine health checks, avoid unverified herbal mixtures marketed as miracle cures and adopt small, consistent lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of preventable diseases.

In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, expressed gratitude to Almighty God for the successful completion of the programme.

She appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu for creating an enabling environment for initiatives that promote the well-being of Lagos residents and commended Commissioner Dada for her leadership in advancing the Ministry’s programmes.

Onigbanjo also acknowledged the contributions of the Ministry’s directors and staff, particularly Mrs. Funke Shyllon, Director of the Women Affairs Department, and her team, for their efforts in organising the programme.

She expressed special appreciation to Dietitian Olusola for his informative presentation, noting that the session had reinforced the importance of balanced diets, proper hygiene and preventive healthcare.

The Permanent Secretary encouraged participants to put the knowledge gained into practice by making healthier food choices, reducing excessive salt and sugar intake, staying physically active and attending routine medical checks.

She also urged them to share the information with their families and communities to promote a culture of healthy living across Lagos State.

The programme reinforced the Ministry’s position that good nutrition is essential to individual health, family welfare and community development, while highlighting the importance of collective efforts in building healthier and more productive communities.