The federal and state governments have been urged to create a nutrition department in ministries, agencies, and parastatals, as they play key roles in food security.
The Ondo State Chairman of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Olanrewaju Omoniyi, spoke during the first scientific symposium and nutrition summit, where experts also blamed westernisation for having a negative effect on the country’s nutrition.
It was a gathering of nutritionists in Ondo State, southwest Nigeria, for their scientific symposium and nutrition summit.
With the theme “Strengthening Nutrition Workforce Capacity and Food Security Strategies for Improved Health and Development in Ondo State,” speakers emphasised the need for more nutritionists in government establishments.
The State Head of Service, Bayo Philip, in his speech, assured attendees of the government’s readiness to promote nutrition to maintain the overall health and well-being of residents.
Represented by a senior government official, Sunday Omiri, the head of service said the creation of a nutrition cadre/officer role would be given priority by the government.
The keynote speaker and Chairman of the Osun State Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Obinna Ogbonna stated that Ondo State has a high rate of malnutrition among children under five.
On his part, the state chairman of the association, Olanrewaju Omoniyi, stressed the need for the federal government to create a nutrition department in ministries and parastatals.
Speakers agreed on the need for collaboration to ensure that the teeming youth are encouraged to adopt proper dietary habits to improve their nutritional status.
