Good foods gradually going into extinction – Don

From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure

A university don, Prof Abiodun Adeola, has lamented that good foods are gradually going into extinction.

He therefore advised people to eat well and ensure that they take sufficient water and fruits for the benefit of their health.

Delivering a lecture entitled “Impacting communities through functional foods: A pathway to sustainable development” at the maiden induction ceremony of pioneer Food Technologists produced by the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), he warned against foods destructive to the body system.

Represented by Prof Dare Adekoyemi, Adeola emphasised the health benefits of food and charged the inductees to always educate the populace on health and food benefits.

He said, “Good food serves as a solution to the health issues happening around us; it is just so unfortunate that some of these foods are underutilised and gradually going into extinction. It is your duty to educate the public about the health benefits of these foods as a healthy diet is tantamount to good health. Your food should be your medicine.”

Adeola added that “integrating functional foods into community diets promotes a more resilient food system, improves public health, lowers the risk of chronic diseases, promotes good health and immune function, reduces inflammation.”

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, represented by Prof Abdulazeez Abubakar, charged the new food scientists to uphold the ethics of the profession and be distinct in the discharge of their duties.

“Food Science is a profession needed by all, as food security helps any nation a great deal. As food scientists, no nation can ignore you, as you hold the ace to people’s survival. Ensure that you uphold the ethics of the profession,” she said.

A total of six students were inducted into the profession by the National President of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology, Dr Bola Osinowo, represented by Professor Matthew Oluwamukomi.