The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) has identified 200 indigents and vulnerable women residents as recipients of free staple foods in Somolu Local Government Area of the State under its Advocacy on Healthy Nutrition programme aimed at enhancing good dietary habits and healthy, qualitative lifestyles for residents.
Speaking at the distribution programme held recently at Ojo Square Community Hall, Bajulaye, Somolu, Mrs Oluyemi Kalesanwo, Permanent Secretary of WAPA, stated that the importance of healthy nutrition cannot be overemphasised, especially since women have unique nutritional needs at different stages of their lives.
She said, “Women play central and crucial roles in shaping society at various levels, as such, it is important for women to understand the significance of maintaining healthy nutrition and making sure their family and loved ones adopt good dietary habits too.
“The focus of this programme is to improve the nutritional status, reduce wastage, manage obesity or micronutrient deficiencies, as well as regulate indicators on health issues, amongst others”, Kalesanwo added.
The Permanent Secretary informed that the Ministry will soon commence the distribution of over 600 nutrition packs to beneficiaries in Lagos Island and Eti-Osa Local Government with subsequent plans to hold a similar programme in Alimosho and Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government.
“Good health implies the absence of diseases as well as the complete physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being of every individual. Therefore, I must encourage all beneficiaries at today’s programme to always be mindful of what you eat to stay healthy”, she implored.
Kalesanwo also used the occasion to call on women and youths, particularly unemployed persons or the underemployed, to enrol into any of the 20 Skills Acquisition Centres across the five Divisions of the State offering various tuition-free vocations for the duration of six to 12 months for financial sustainability.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Hon. Abdulhamed Salawu, who was represented by the Coordinator of the State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU) for Somolu Local Government, Mr. Lanpejo Bolakale, expressed profound gratitude to WAPA for its unwavering commitments towards the welfare of women, particularly those at the grassroots.
Also speaking, a Health Educator, Mrs. Tinuola Afeniforo enlightened the participants on how to properly cook meals and the importance of a balanced diet as a tool for preventing diseases and sicknesses.
She said: “Balanced meals in the right proportions can make a big difference in your body, by building strong immunities against diseases and sicknesses and leaving you healthy and strong”.
“I urge you all, to balance your daily dietary values with portions of protein, carbohydrates and essential vitamins using our local crops”, Afeniforo admonished.
