Nutrition International’s Nigeria Country Director, Dr Osita Okonkwo, has emphasized the importance of prioritising nutrition as a pathway to building a healthier nation, stronger families, improved productivity, and sustainable human development outcomes.
Okonkwo made the remarks on Tuesday in Abuja during the Fourth Annual Seminar on Nutrition and Free Food Palliative Distribution and Empowerment, organized by Thelema Lion Foundation, a non-governmental organization.
The seminar, themed “Beyond Hope: Strategic Nutrition Planning for Family Wellness,” explored how adequate nutrition enhances family health and wellbeing, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable populations across communities nationwide.
According to Okonkwo, health and nutrition are closely linked, as poor nutrition weakens immunity, reduces productivity, and worsens health outcomes, particularly among women, children, and disadvantaged groups.
He advised pregnant women to consume diverse, nutrient-rich meals to support healthy pregnancies and proper fetal development, stressing that unborn children require adequate nutrition for optimal growth and lifelong wellbeing.
Okonkwo urged families and communities to prioritize nutrition planning, describing it as a long-term investment that strengthens human capital, promotes resilience, and supports sustainable national development.
Mrs Ifeoma Agu, Founder of Thelema Lion Foundation, shared that her passion for supporting the less privileged is rooted in her childhood experiences marked by poverty and deprivation. She recounted growing up in a household where food and basic needs were scarce, which inspired her commitment to helping others facing similar challenges.
Agu explained that the foundation’s outreach began informally in 2014, including visits to Internally Displaced Persons camps in Kuje, where food support and free medical services were provided. Following encouragement from supporters, the organization was formally registered, focusing on food assistance, empowerment initiatives, and healthcare interventions for vulnerable women.
At the event, the foundation distributed food items, including rice, garri, and yam tubers, benefiting over 500 households. Agu called on well-meaning Nigerians to support initiatives addressing hunger and poverty, noting that collective action can significantly reduce food insecurity nationwide.
She also highlighted empowerment programmes, including provision of sewing machines, grinding machines, and small grants for women, noting that beneficiaries have shown resilience, commitment, and determination to succeed. Agu expressed appreciation to her husband, Mr Uche Agu, for his consistent encouragement and support, describing him as a strong pillar behind the foundation’s growing success.
The foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ngozi Madubuike, said the Women Arise Symposium has significantly empowered women and youths across Nigeria through targeted interventions in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, education, healthcare, and socioeconomic empowerment. She added that the programmes help women acquire skills, build confidence, and access opportunities for economic independence, enabling them to contribute positively to community development.
Madubuike acknowledged rising poverty challenges, particularly in the aftermath of COVID-19, but reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to expanding its reach, strengthening partnerships, and increasing nationwide impact. She also expressed gratitude to partners and volunteers, urging continued collaboration to create opportunities for women and youths to thrive.
Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the food palliatives and empowerment support, describing the assistance as timely and helpful, especially during the yuletide season. They encouraged Nigerians to extend support to vulnerable populations during celebrations, stressing that compassion and generosity can transform lives and communities.
