Don Urges Adoption Of Traditional Nigerian Diets In Safeguarding Public Health

A professor at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja, Elkenah C. Ndie, has underscored the pivotal role of nutrition in public health, emphasising food security and the benefits of traditional Nigerian diets.

Ndie stated this yesterday while presenting the 30th Inaugural Lecture of the university, themed „Nursing Science: An Applied Science Care for All.“

According to a press statement by Ibrahim Sheme, director of media and publicity, the don urged policymakers to address these systemic barriers to improve national health outcomes. He revealed that his research has focused on the availability, accessibility, and quality of food, particularly in rural areas, and highlighted the need for robust nutritional education to improve dietary choices, especially among vulnerable populations.

Ndie discussed the connection between drivers’ health and road safety, saying that many commercial drivers in Nigeria suffer from health issues such as hypertension and high blood sugar, often worsened by poor dietary habits and substance abuse.

He said: “Many drivers miss meals, rely on alcohol or drugs to stay awake, and lack access to regular health check-ups.“

In his earlier remarks, Professor Olufemi Peters, the vice-chancellor of NOUN, commended the presenter for his groundbreaking contributions to the field.

He described the lecture’s theme as a critical exploration of care’s transformative power in health and society.

Peters, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Chinedu Mafiana, said: “Nurses are the backbone of healthcare systems; their work goes beyond medical interventions to fostering holistic wellbeing, and their impact is felt in every aspect of our lives.“

He thanked the organisers and reaffirmed NOUN’s commitment to advancing excellence in education and health sciences.