The Lagos State Government has reiterated the importance of proper nutrition in improving public health, strengthening families and enhancing economic productivity through its food and nutrition programme.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Dada, stated this on Thursday during the programme held at the WAPA Skills Acquisition Centre, Isheri-Olowora, according to a statement issued by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Rianat Onigbanjo.
Dada said the initiative was designed to promote healthy eating habits, increase nutrition awareness and encourage residents to make informed dietary choices. She stressed that economic empowerment efforts must be complemented by programmes that improve the health and wellbeing of beneficiaries.
“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.
The commissioner explained that the programme was being implemented across different locations in Lagos to improve residents’ wellbeing, particularly that of women and girls. She added that the initiative complemented discussions on nutrition at the Women in Power Conference 2026.
According to Dada, beneficiaries across the five IBILE divisions of Lagos State receive medical screening, professional nutrition education and healthy food packs as part of the intervention.
She noted that proper nutrition was essential to human capital development, adding that healthy women and girls were better equipped to care for their families, pursue economic opportunities and contribute meaningfully to society.
Dada further explained that the ministry’s poverty alleviation strategy combined skills acquisition and economic support with initiatives aimed at improving public health and overall wellbeing. She urged participants to apply the lessons from the programme in their daily lives and share the knowledge within their communities.
Speaking on the topic, “Healthy Woman, Healthy Life: Eating Well, Staying Clean and Preventing Disease,” nutritionist Olusola Malomo advised women to maintain balanced diets, practise good personal hygiene and prioritise preventive healthcare.
Malomo recommended combining affordable staple foods such as rice, yam and garri with protein sources, including beans, eggs and fish, alongside vegetables and fruits whenever available.
He also urged participants to reduce excessive salt and sugar consumption, sugary drinks and heavily processed foods, while ensuring they drink safe water and maintain proper hygiene.
The nutritionist emphasised the importance of regular health checks, including blood pressure and blood glucose screening, noting that some medical conditions could exist without obvious symptoms.
He further highlighted the importance of iron-rich foods for women and advised those experiencing persistent tiredness, dizziness or heavy menstrual bleeding to seek medical attention rather than resort to self-medication.
Malomo encouraged women to remain physically active, get adequate rest and seek professional medical advice before taking nutritional supplements.
