The Lagos State government has advised nursing mothers to embrace the habit of eating foods rich in nutrients to safeguard their children against malnutrition.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Dada, gave the advice while addressing an audience at a stakeholder’s meeting on nutrition, held on Wednesday at the Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
She said eating a balanced diet would enhance their health and protect their children from being malnourished.
Dada said the ministry started the stakeholders meeting on nutrition two years ago to educate women 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. It is expected that women should take charge of their family’s nutrition to ensure that their children eat the appropriate balanced diet.
“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 said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 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.
Meanwhile, a nutritionist from the Ajeromi General Hospital, Mr. Olusola Malomo, advised participants to embrace good eating habits to stay healthy.
“You don’t need to spend a huge amount of money to eat nutritional foods. You should be taking fruits and vegetables in your daily consumption and shun unhealthy food,” he added.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to the NAN lauded the state government for the initiative.
Mrs Rofiat Kareem, a trader, said she learnt that there is a need to change her eating habits to maintain good health.
“With this programme, I will be able to make the right choices of food when eating and reduce the proportion of my food intake,” she said.
Another participant, Mrs. Joy Johnson said she was now well-informed on the benefits of eating healthy food.
NAN also reports that the participants benefited from voluntary medical checkups, which included screening for cervical cancer.
(NAN)
