By Victor Adeoti
Paulina Adeniji, a professor of Human Nutrition and Hospitality at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, has decried the neglect of dairy farms in the country.
Adeniji said this while delivering the 12th inaugural lecture of the university on Thursday in Ede.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture has as its theme ”Give Us Adequate Food In Due Season: Establishing A Path To Healthy Living”.
The don said that it was a set back that the country do not have enough well established dairy farms to supply ”our needs”.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO), and Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) recommended that the total daily protein should be 67 grammes for average Nigerians.
”Of this, 58 per cent, that is 39 grammes should be of animal origin, but survey shows that only 20 grammes (30 per cent) was fulfilled.
”It is a set back that we do not have enough well-established dairy farms in Nigeria to supply our needs.
”The few dairy farms have seriously suffered neglect in the recent past.
”In most cases, only the local people rear cattle mainly for meat and little dairy products,” she said.
Adeniji, however, warned against nutritional deficiencies among Nigerians, which she said could lead to range of health problems.
The don said that nutritional deficiencies occurred when the body does not receive an adequate amount of essential nutrients needed for proper functioning of the body.
Adeniji said that apart from proper nutrition for a healthy living, regular physical activity is also very important.
”Regular physical exercise activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health apart from eating properly prepared balanced diet.
”Physical exercises can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthens bones and muscles,” she said.
Adeniji also urged the National Universities Commission (NUC) to increase nutrition education and awareness in schools as a way of promoting a healthy life style.
She also said that Nigerians should be encouraged to secure a space in their various house for home garden to afford them fruits and vegetables.
Earlier in his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Shadrack Akindele, said that the lecture was significant because it was the first to be delivered since his assumption of office.
Akindele described Adeniji as a worthy ambassador of the university. (NAN)
Edited by Tayo Ikujuni
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