Kemi Olatunde

Ondo State Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, has assured of government readiness to promote nutrition to maintain the overall health and well-being of residents.

He spoke during the first scientific symposium and nutrition summit of the state chapter of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria in Akure .

According to him, government has prioritised the welfare of health care, stating that the entry point of Medical Doctor has been enhanced to grade level 13 which according to him has not been implemented in other states in Nigeria.

While commending Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the implementation of the N73000 minimum wage in the state, the Head of Service who was represented by Mr. Sunday Omiri, assured of recruiting more Nutritionists/Dietician as and when due,adding that the creation of nutrition cadre/ officer would be given priority by government.

Speaking on the theme; “Strengthening nutrition workforce capacity and food security strategies for improved health and development in Ondo State”, the keynote speaker and Chairman, Osun State Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Dr. Obinna Ogbonna stated that Ondo State has a high rate of malnutrition among under five children.

While lauding government efforts in tackling malnutrition, he called for the establishment of a state nutrition policy and also nutrition workforce development plan.

Ogbonna who described food insecurity as a significant factor in a child’s dietary choice revealed that 63 percent of household in the state were food insecure.

He applauded the state for its food security index which he said was 51.1 percent adding that human capacity development with adequate welfare and condition of service will stimulate effective and efficient workforce saying “a well motivated workforce will implement government policies to reduce the scourge of malnutrition.”

He called for collaboration between governments and Non Governmental Organisations in ensuring that the workforce is garvanised and motivated to reduce the side effects malnutrition in the state.

In his welcome address, State Chairman, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Olanrewaju Omoniyi stated that the group is committed to ensuring nutrition security for all ,adding that the event aimed at building capacity of Nutritionists adding that “it is an opportunity to network and expand frontiers which will enable them build capacity to become nutritionists per excellence.”

Speaking with The Hope, special guest of honour at the event, Mr. Akinola Olotu stressed the need for people’s consciousness on their diet saying”the totality of what comes into our system defines our health. You must watch your weight, embrace regular water intake and eat balanced diet.”

One of the Awardees, Mr. Monday Adebusoye also called for collaboration in terms of implementation of programmes in order to disseminate the information to the grassroots.

He also stressed the need for collaboration in ensuring that the teaming youths are encouraged to take appropriate food diet to improve their nutritional status.

At the event, the Head of Service was conferred with the Grand Patron award while other nine dignitaries were also conferred with various degrees of awards.