Prof. Oyediran Oyewole, a Professor of Public Health Nutrition, has called for greater involvement of dietitians and nutritionists in managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Oyewole, of the Department of Health Promotion and Education, University of Ibadan, made the call on Friday in Lagos.
He spoke while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Professional Retreat organised by Lagos State Health Service Commission dietitians and nutritionists.
The two-day retreat, held at Lagos Island Maternity, had the theme: “Institutionalising Excellence in Dietetics and Nutrition Services: Strengthen Systems, Standards and Sustainability.”
The don said nutritional management should form part of comprehensive patient care, particularly for conditions requiring dietary adjustments, except during medical emergencies.
He said many patients depended heavily on medications because dietary professionals were often excluded from routine evaluations and healthcare visits.
Oyewole stressed the need for greater synergy among healthcare professionals to ensure patients received comprehensive and effective care.
He noted that some routine medications could produce side effects, particularly when used over long periods, making nutritional support important.
“Diseases are tied to our daily behaviour, and this has to do with what we fail to do or what we do.
“Most diseases people battle with can be traced to their dietary behaviour, and this is where nutritional management in patient care is key.
“For instance, individuals with NCDs are linked to behaviours and lifestyles that require appropriate dietary guidance, rather than medication that may have long-term effects,” he said.
Oyewole urged dietitians and nutritionists to make themselves visible within healthcare settings and intervene whenever their expertise was required.
He said their involvement would help ensure comprehensive patient care and improve overall health and wellbeing.
The don also urged healthcare institutions to recognise dietitians and nutritionists as important members of multidisciplinary teams.
He said their expertise was particularly important in managing conditions associated with nutrition, diet and lifestyle.
Also speaking, Dr Olufemi Omololu, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Service Commission, urged nutrition professionals to embrace technology, conduct research and share knowledge.
Omololu spoke on “Building Professional Excellence for Sustainable Health Outcomes”, urging dietitians and nutritionists to contribute more actively to strengthening the health system.
He said professionals should not restrict themselves to traditional roles but should function effectively as team players and managers within the healthcare system.
The permanent secretary stressed that excellence was not merely about individual performance but about translating professional efforts into positive patient outcomes.
“Excellence is not just about you doing well within your own sphere; it is about the impact of what you are doing on patients,” he said.
Omololu said developing a culture of excellence required strong leadership, adequate financing, teamwork, monitoring and continuous improvement.
He reiterated the commission’s commitment to addressing manpower shortages and establishing nutrition departments in hospitals where they were unavailable.
The former Medical Director of Lagos Island Maternity also pledged continued support for professional training.
He said the commission would provide standardised tools and equipment required to strengthen nutrition departments across government-owned hospitals.
Dietitians and nutritionists from various government-owned hospitals across Lagos State are participating in the retreat, which is expected to end on Saturday.
