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Dietitians decry silent hunger in Nigeria

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By Okunloye Abiodun

Fuel subsidy removal is having a deteriorating effect on Nigerians.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been urged by the country’s dietitians to endeavour to make his emergency declaration on food security as detailed and inclusive as possible by including dietitians as important partners in leading the proposed campaign against food insecurity. This request was made in a statement released on Sunday by the Institute for Dietetics in Nigeria (IDN), the national professional association for dietitians in Nigeria, in response to President Tinubu’s declaration of emergency on food security in the nation. They believed they could serve as instrumental in turning the tide of the fight.

Dele Alake, who serves as the president’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, announced at a media briefing, he stated that the government’s goal was to provide assistance to those members of the population who were the most vulnerable. On July 13, 2023, in reaction to the detrimental consequences that the removal of the petroleum subsidy was having on Nigerians who were already at a disadvantage, President Bola Tinubu announced a state of emergency on food security.

They should be actively involved in the fight to curb food insecurity.

Explaining further, the dietitians emphasised, in a statement that was signed by Tajudeen Olutope Ahmed, the National President of IDN, the significance of including them among the parties that are actively involved in the fight to curb food insecurity. According to food experts, a “silent hunger” is currently afflicting the vast majority of individuals living in Nigeria. They also emphasised that this problematic issue ought to be the focus of the Federal Government’s attention, as well.

Furthermore, they advocated for the incorporation of dietitians into the membership of the National Commodity Board in the country. In addition to this, it is recommended that dietitians be employed at each and every one of Nigeria’s health facilities, including individual wards, local governments, state governments, and federal organisations. Also, they emphasised the significance of working with the national professional body of Dietitians (IDN) to ensure the efficacy of the emergency declaration regarding food security.

A state of emergency on food security should be declared.

The dietitians highlighted that as food professionals with experience in the administration of food and nutrition to improve wellness and oversee diseases, they state categorically that the problem of silent hunger, which has been wrecking the vast majority of the population in Nigeria as well as in Africa as a continent needs to be a worry to the government in establishing a state of emergency in food security. This was one of the main points that they made in their statement.

In other words, the issue of affordability is not the only major problem that many people in the country face. Concerns have also been raised about whether or not the foods currently on the market provide an adequate amount of the necessary macro and micronutrients. Dietitians have the potential to play an important role in winning the battle against the covert hunger that plagues Nigerians. In this manner, the fight against the insecure availability of food will be comprehensive and holistic.

Many foods are nutritionally deficient and require some enrichment.

Lastly, the vast majority of the foods that can be purchased currently are nutritionally deficient and require some kind of enrichment, fortification, or other sort of improvement. People, who are the final consumers, require to be provided with knowledge and guidance about the most effective methods to prepare and consume those foods that are accessible so as to provide the body with the maximum benefit possible. This is necessary in order to manage the resources that are available.


Related Link

IDN: Website

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AN-Toni
AN-Toni
Editor
4 months ago

Dietitians decry silent hunger in Nigeria.Fuel subsidy removal is having a deteriorating effect on Nigerians.Express your point of view.

Adeolastan
Adeolastan
Member
4 months ago

It’s deeply concerning to hear that many Nigerians are experiencing silent hunger, especially in the wake of the fuel subsidy removal. This is a critical issue that requires immediate attention from the government and other stakeholders.

As a society, we have a responsibility to ensure that everyone has access to basic necessities like food and water. When people are forced to go hungry, it not only affects their physical health but also their mental and emotional well-being.

The fuel subsidy removal has had a significant impact on the cost of living for many Nigerians, and it’s clear that this policy change has had a deteriorating effect on the most vulnerable members of our society. It’s important that the government takes steps to address this issue, such as implementing social safety nets and investing in programs that promote economic development and job creation.

At the same time, it’s also important for individuals and communities to come together to support each other during these difficult times. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating to food banks, or simply checking in on our neighbors, we can all play a role in addressing the issue of silent hunger in Nigeria. By working together, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

Kazeem1
Kazeem1
Member
4 months ago

Hearing that many Nigerians are suffering from silent hunger, especially in the wake of the elimination of fuel subsidies, is quite alarming. We have a duty to make sure that everyone has access to necessities like food and water, so this is an urgent matter that needs the government’s quick attention. Forced hunger has an impact on people’s both mental and physical health.

Haykaylyon26
Haykaylyon26
Member
4 months ago

The removal of subsidy as make the price of things go high, to afford goods now are expensive and it is really affect the people, people are sufferings of hunger people need support for them to be move from poverty and ease their suffering

Taiwoo
Taiwoo
Member
4 months ago

It is rather disturbing to learn that many Nigerians experience silent hunger, especially in the wake of the end of fuel subsidies. This is a serious issue that requires the government’s prompt attention because it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone has access to necessities like food and water. Forced starvation affects individuals’

SarahDiv
SarahDiv
Member
4 months ago

The administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu should include dietitians in the campaign against food insecurity, develop a comprehensive food security strategy, prioritize nutrition education, involve dietitians in relevant government bodies, and monitor impact regularly.

Abusi
Abusi
Member
4 months ago

I don’t think the hunger in Nigeria is actually silent. We all know how the economy has become. We know the extent at Which people are really suffering. A lot of people are living below 1 dollar and it’s so bad. There is serious hunger in the land. The government should be ready to mitigate this hardship on its people.