Ibadan: A food scientist in the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Kafayat Adebayo, has warned Nigerians to avoid consumption of over-processed and ultra-processed foods in order to safeguard their health. Adebayo, the Oyo State Coordinator for Port Health Services, stated this while delivering a health talk at the 2026 Quarterly Lecture organized by the Criterion, Oyo District, in Ibadan.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adebayo highlighted that most over-processed and refined foods and drinks have been stripped of their beneficial nutrients and contribute to many chronic and life-threatening diseases currently prevalent in society. She emphasized that Nigeria is endowed with a variety of traditional and natural foods, which are readily available.
‘Let us look around, choose, and eat more natural foods and fruits that are locally available. These foods are often cheaper, safer, and more affordable. By doing this, we can improve our health and reduce our risk of infections, thereby safeguarding both our in
dividual health and public health in Nigeria,’ Adebayo stated. She further advised Nigerians to consume more fruits, vegetables, and beans, avoid late-night eating habits, exercise regularly, and conduct regular check-ups for early disease detection and cure.
Also speaking at the event, an educationist and Proprietress of Al-Barka Group of Schools, Alhaja Jamilat Gbadegesin, urged Nigerians to shun the consumption of hard drugs. Gbadegesin, speaking on the topic: ‘Sources of Shariah and its Application in Community,’ also noted that the Quran and Sunnah encourage Muslims to be tolerant of followers of other religions. She remarked that many people in society misunderstand the concept of Shariah, limiting it to punitive measures.
Earlier, the Amirah of Criterion, Alhaja Sakirat Ibraimoh, expressed that the lecture was organized to mobilize and educate Muslims, particularly women, about their roles in the community. Ibraimoh stated that the lecture aimed to teach participants how to relate with others in soci
ety, regardless of religion, and to contribute positively to the community and environment.
The chairperson of the Dawan Committee of Criterion, Alhaja Aminat AbdulWahab, expressed gratitude to the lecturers and participants for their contributions to the event.