Asime Charles Lawson
A nutrition officer and lecturer has urged Nigerians to reduce their intake of processed foods, warning about their link to various chronic diseases.
In an interview with our reporter, Asime Charles Lawson, on the 18th of August 2025, Mrs Akhigbe Evelyn Omolegho expressed her concerns regarding the rising rates of obesity and cancer. She emphasised the crucial role of good nutrition in maintaining a healthy body.
According to her, most processed or canned foods contain excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and colourants, which can be harmful to human health. These ingredients have been linked to numerous health issues, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, mental health disorders, and cancer, particularly colorectal cancer.
Mrs Akhigbe also highlighted the benefits of making healthier food choices, such as incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into one’s diet. She advised individuals to pay close attention to the ingredients and nutritional content of packaged foods and encouraged preparing meals at home using healthy ingredients. Also, the nutritionist advocated for neighbourhood farming as a chemical-free alternative that promotes better health.
Digital Skills – By Asimi Charles Lawson
A non-profit organisation, Siya Amachree Foundation, has urged Nigerians to key into global transformation by exposing their children early to opportunities in the information and technology sector.
The convener of the foundation, Dr Sokeiprim Amachree, made this statement at the opening ceremony of a two-week intensive training program on animation, web development, and product design at the Rivers State University in Port Harcourt.
Speaking on the vision of the foundation, which was conceived by his late wife, Dr Amachree emphasised that the training program has the potential to transform Nigeria’s educational system and position the country on the global map in ICT.
The Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb Obipi, commended the Siya Amachree Foundation for the initiative, describing it as globally significant, particularly in enhancing digital literacy among young individuals while promising the university’s support to expand the scope of the program.
Also speaking, a former Vice Chancellor (VC) of the Rivers State University, Prof. Barineme Fakae, urged parents to maximise their children’s abilities by exposing them early to digital skills.
A facilitator of the program, Mr Tonye Amachree, disclosed that the vision of the foundation was for the training to be replicated in schools across the country, stressing the importance of equipping young ones with such skills.
Some of the participants at the free training program thanked the organisers for the knowledge gained and for equipping them for the future. They urged parents to get their wards engaged productively and early to prepare for the future. According to our reporter, Asime Lawson, the training, targeted at fifty children aged 6-10 and teenagers, aims to empower young people with digital skills.***
