Bad Economy Making Balanced Diet Difficult in Nigeria – Varsity Don

Praise Chinecherem

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Paul University Awka, Prof. Stella Okunna, has regretted that bad economy has made it difficult for average Nigerians to eat balanced diet on daily basis.

Okunna stated this on Saturday at the maiden edition of the Walk for Life program of the United Business Women and Farmers Association of Nigeria (UBWPAN), held at Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, Awka, with over hundred women in attendance.

Okunna, who is also the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Africa, stressed that 2023 general elections provide better opportunities for the country to effect positive change, urging increased women participation in governance in the state.

She encouraged women to vote wisely so as to elect credible leaders that would reposition the country.

House of Representatives candidate of Labour Party (LP), for Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Prof. Oby Orogbu has charged women in Anambra State to desist from mounting undue pressure on their husbands through placing of unnecesary demands.

She said the women should rather add value to their families by being enterprising and resourceful towards supporting their husbands and families.

She said, “Time has gone when women are seen as wealth organisers (oriaku). It’s time to join hands with our husbands to create wealth because the situation in our country today is so difficult that you can’t allow a man to take the pressure all alone.

“We should team up with our husbands to make the home. Women should be home builders and resourceful in supporting their husbands and it requires joint efforts to relieve the pressure from the men and bring money to the table.”

Orogbu, former Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, further urged women to come out from their comfort zone and be a voice in the society to create the desired positive change. 

“Women have a way of excelling and taking control of the system. They should take care of themselves, physically, psychological, emotional and otherwise because it’s only healthy ones that can take care of their families,” she added.

Delivering a lecture, the permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr Uju Okoye, represented by Ms Ifeoma Ikeanyionwu, urged women to exercise their bodies everyday, stressing that it prevents diseases, promotes sound mind, improves temperature, mental and physical wellbeing.

On her part, Dr Mrs Rose Amasiani urged farmers to apply organic manure on their farms for improved agricultural produce, micro and macro nutrients, industrial growth, prevention of erosion and general wellbeing.

Contributing, Dr Ekwy Azubuike, reiterated the needs for women to promote and encourage their families to eat balanced diet as according to her, it promotes healthy living, functional brain and longevity.

In their goodwill messages, Chairperson of Police Women Association (POWA), Anambra State chapter, Mrs Ikemi Echeng, represented by Mrs Melody Obili, and Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Chief Chuks Ilozue, enjoined women to believe in themselves and always strive to improve their homes through good lifestyles.

Earlier, President of Ultimate Business Women and Farmers Association of Nigeria (UBWFAN), Mrs Nkiru Nwagbo, explained that the walk for life programme was aimed at supporting women to improve their mental and physical wellbeing.

“We believe that a healthy body transmits stability to the mind and the result is predictably success in every aspect of life. This explains why we consider physical exercise a critical step towards the empowerment of women, including the vulnerable ones among us.

“This year’s theme, “Nigerian women: an asset to the Nation” was picked as a quick response to those who are still in doubt as regards the unique role of the women folk as the bedrock and catalyst for national development,” she stressed.