society
Towards Curtailing Protein Deficiency in Nigeria
The challenge of providing good nutrition is global. In many instances, it is multidimensional. In
Nigeria today, there is no part of the country, segment of the population and groups not impacted
by nutritional issues. No part!
To understand the significance of nutrition, consider this: experts insist that maternal prenatal
nutrition and the child’s nutrition in the first three years of life are crucial factors in a child’s
neurodevelopment and lifelong mental health. Not getting enough nutrients early in life can have
an impact that lasts a lifetime.
This is the challenge, where nutrients are inadequate or in excess, it leads to malnutrition.
Malnutrition, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) refers to deficiencies, excesses
or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients.
Malnutrition covers undernutrition, micro or macro nutrients deficiencies, and overweight and
obesity among other unsavoury conditions.
According to UNICEF, “In Nigeria, malnutrition is a direct or underlying cause of 45 per cent of
all deaths of under-five children.”
The UN Agency notes that “Nigeria has the second-highest burden of stunted children in the
world, with a national prevalence rate of 32 per cent of children under five. An estimated 2
million children in Nigeria suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), but only two out of
every 10 children affected is currently reached with treatment. Seven per cent of women of
childbearing age also suffer from acute malnutrition.” The situation looks grim.
However, the fact that malnutrition is an issue should not surprise anyone as hunger is a critical
problem. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in a recent report about poverty and
inequality from September 2018 to October 2019, said 40 per cent of people in Nigeria live
below the poverty line of 137,430 naira ($381.75) a year. This represents 82.9 million poor
people. Everyone knows that the poor struggle to eat.
Now, the truth be told, the world is not unaware of the challenges. In fact, over the years, there
have been plenty of efforts to eradicate hunger, attain food security and improve nutrition. The
results have been askance.
The most ambitious yet is the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to Wikipedia,
“The SDGs are a collection of 17 global goals designed to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and
more sustainable future for all”. The SDGs, set in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly
and intended to be achieved by the year 2030.”
The SDGs are interconnected. This means that action in one area will affect outcomes in others.
The goal for SDG 1, End Poverty and SDG 2, Zero Hunger are of particular interest. Consider
the target for SDG 2 – to end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and
people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year
round by 2030.
The goal is audacious. Undoubtedly, nutrition is central to the actualisation of the current
sustainable development agenda.
Sadly, in Nigeria today, a major cause of malnutrition, especially among children is protein
deficiency. This happens when people do not get adequate amounts of protein from their diet.
Protein is widely regarded as an essential building block of life. It is found in literally every cell
of the body. It is a macro-nutrient, that is one of the three nutrients found in food that the body
needs in large amounts. The other two are carbohydrates and fat.
Protein is an important ingredient used to build, maintain and repair body tissues and muscles.
Protein deficiency poses a major health problem in Nigeria. Besides, it places an economic and
social burden on the state. Experts say that it is the most important risk factor for illness and
death, with millions of pregnant women and young children particularly affected
Highlights from a recent nation-wide survey report, the Nigeria Protein Deficiency Report,
identified high cost as a major disincentive for the consumption of most protein food sources in
Nigeria. The report was unveiled at the recent launch of the Nigeria Protein Awareness
Campaign.
The survey, which was designed to empirically determine the current status and dimensions of
protein deficiency in Nigeria, sheds light on food consumption patterns among Nigerians.
According to the report, “51 per cent of respondents do not have adequate protein-rich foods due
largely to high cost.” The report also showed that the fundamental factors determining the
necessity of meal items consumed across the country are availability (79%) and affordability
(68%). Think of the effect of poverty here.
The report indicated carbohydrates are the most consumed food amongst Nigerians. Rice topped
the list with 91%, closely followed by ‘swallows’ (such as eba, amala, fufu, pounded yam, etc.)
as 83%. 58% of sampled institutional providers (dieticians and nutritionists) insisted that the
protein intake of Nigerians is generally quite insufficient.
According to Dr Omadeli Boyo, Medical Director, Pinecrest Specialist Hospital and a Public
health expert: “The report lends credence to many of the long-held perceptions about food
consumption in Nigeria. It is detailed, yet concise, clear and places in context food consumption
patterns across the country.”
He noted that it is no surprise that, with carbohydrates as the most commonly consumed foods,
incidence of malnutrition is today a prevalent public health concern.
Shedding more light on the protein deficiency campaign, Dr. Boyo explained that an important
thing about the proposed campaign is that it aligns with the SDG 2, which seeks to ‘end hunger,
achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture’
Judith Igwe, a Nutritionist, said: “The report highlights the dimensions of protein deficiency in
Nigeria. It also establishes that availability, affordability, taste, nutritional value and preference
are factors that drive the choice of protein consumption among the target audience.”
The Nigeria Protein Awareness Campaign is a media campaign initiative, supported by the
United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and other partners to create awareness about the
prevalence, status and impact of protein deficiency in Nigeria. Protein Challenge is the theme
(tag) for the campaign.
USSEC acts as a knowledge, technical and promotion partner willing to work with relevant
stakeholders across a broad section of the economy, from academia to healthcare, NGOs,
agriculture, agro-processing and government, to proffer solutions that will enable everyday
Nigerians overcome the risk of protein deficiency and live healthy, productive lives.
This is commendable. It is precisely the sort of coalition needed to tackle protein deficiency,
broad-based, committed and in for the long haul.
Every effort to combat and curb protein deficiency contributes to unravelling the malnutrition
challenges in Nigeria. The benefits of progress would be humongous. Citizens would be more
productivity and this would naturally spur socio-economic growth. Children would equally
become more attentive helping to bridge the education gap.
The economic cost of malnutrition is estimated to range from 2 to 3 per cent of Gross Domestic
Product (GDP). In Nigeria, it is as high as 11 per cent according to a UNICEF report. It is time to
reverse this trend.
Banwo Questions Bwala’s Credibility After Al Jazeera Interview
Public commentator, Dr. Ope Banwo, has criticised Daniel Bwala, the Presidential Spokesperson on Policy Communication for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following a contentious interview on Al Jazeera, describing the appearance as damaging to the credibility of Nigeria’s public communication.
Bwala had appeared on a programme hosted by journalist Mehdi Hasan, where he faced a series of questions about past statements attributed to him. During the exchange, Hasan presented video clips of previous remarks by the government spokesman and asked him to reconcile them with his responses during the interview.
The exchange, which has since circulated widely online, drew attention after Bwala appeared to dispute statements that were subsequently played back during the programme.
Reacting to the development, Banwo said the episode reflected poorly on Nigeria’s representation on international media platforms.
According to him, the availability of digital records and online archives means public officials must be prepared to defend their past statements whenever they appear on global television.
“In the era of instant fact-checking, any public figure going on international television must assume that every previous statement can be easily retrieved,” Banwo said.
He added that the controversy surrounding the interview was particularly troubling because the contradictions presented during the programme were supported with video evidence.
Banwo noted that while political interviews can be confrontational, government representatives should expect tough questioning when appearing before international audiences.
The founder of Naija Lives Matters also expressed concern over Bwala’s reaction during the interview, especially his claim that he was not informed he would be required to defend his personal record.
“A government spokesman should never be surprised by questions about his own public statements,” Banwo said.
During the programme, Bwala also responded to criticism of Nigeria’s governance challenges by arguing that similar problems exist in other parts of the world.
However, Banwo argued that such comparisons do not address the specific issues raised about Nigeria.
According to him, the episode should serve as a reminder of the importance of preparation and credibility when Nigerian officials appear before international media platforms.
The interview has continued to generate reactions across social media and political commentary circles, with observers debating both the conduct of the interview and the implications for Nigeria’s global image.
society
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
_[Atlantis City, United Kingdom of Atlantis – March 2026]_ – The United Kingdom of Atlantis proudly announces the introduction of its *Imperial Gold Coin*, a magnificent emblem of sovereignty, authority, and imperial heritage. The exquisite gold coin has been crafted to represent the nation’s regal tradition, economic strength, and the visionary leadership of its monarch.
The centerpiece of the coin features the dignified portrait of *His Imperial Majesty, Professor Solomon Wining*, depicted in full royal regalia. Crowned with a majestic golden crown and adorned with intricately crafted ornaments, the portrait embodies honor, wisdom, and noble leadership befitting a sovereign ruler. The depiction celebrates the monarch’s reign, which is associated with wisdom, development, and the pursuit of justice.
The golden coin itself signifies *prosperity, stability, and the enduring legacy* of the Atlantis Kingdom. Gold, historically a universal symbol of power, wealth, and permanence, reflects the strength and vision of the kingdom’s leadership and its aspirations for lasting greatness.
Encircling the royal portrait is the carefully engraved inscription *“United Kingdom of Atlantis”*, reinforcing the state’s identity any the authority of its sovereign ruler. The lower rim of the coin prominently displays the name *Solomon Wining*, commemorating the monarch whose leadership is linked to noble governance and national advancement.
The phrase *“Gold Coin”* highlights not only the currency’s intrinsic value but also its symbolic significance as a representation of the kingdom’s economic structure and royal treasury. Beyond its aesthetic elegance, the coin serves as a *mark of sovereignty*, a seal of authority, and a reminder of the royal institution governing the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The Imperial Gold Coin represents:
– *Unity* among citizens,
– *Loyalty* to the crown,
– A vision of a kingdom built upon *justice, prosperity, and noble leadership*.
Every detail—from the engraved crown to the polished golden surface—makes the coin a timeless emblem of imperial prestige and national pride. It stands as both a symbol of wealth and a monument to the legacy of royal leadership, reminding all who behold it of the enduring power and majesty of the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis is a sovereign nation dedicated to upholding traditions of regal governance, cultural heritage, and economic prosperity, guided by the wisdom of its imperial leadership.
_Notes to Editors_:
The Imperial Gold Coin is intended for commemorative and symbolic purposes, representing the nation’s imperial heritage and royal authority.
Ajadi Visits Ibadan Chief Imam, Receives Blessings
The leading gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Grand Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Imam Abdul Ganiy Abubakir Agbotomokekere, at his Oja’ba residence in Ibadan, where discussions centred on leadership, integrity, and the role of prayers in governance.
Ajadi, who described the revered Islamic cleric as a spiritual pillar in Oyo State, said his visit was to seek prayers and wise counsel as he continues consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
While addressing the Chief Imam, Ajadi commended his consistent prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria, noting that religious leaders remain critical stakeholders in nation building.
“I have come to seek your prayers and spiritual blessings because of your important role in promoting peace, unity and moral guidance in our society,” Ajadi said.
“I also want to appreciate your continuous prayers for the progress of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. My prayer is that Almighty Allah will continue to grant you sound health and long life to witness many more Ramadan seasons on earth.”
Speaking further, the PDP gubernatorial aspirant emphasised the need for leadership driven by compassion, fairness and accountability, stressing that his political aspiration is rooted in service to the people.
“My ambition is not just about occupying an office but about serving the people with sincerity and fear of God. We must continue to encourage politics that will bring development and improve the welfare of our people,” he added.
While speaking with journalists after the visit, Ajadi also assured the people of Oyo State and Nigerians at large that the internal crisis and political tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been brought under control by the grace of God. He expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in all elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
In his response, Sheikh Agbotomokekere advised the governorship hopeful to remain focused on the principles of good governance, warning against corrupt practices often associated with politics.
The respected Islamic scholar noted that while politics is practised differently by individuals, only leaders with integrity and fear of God can truly deliver the dividends of democracy.
“Politics is practised by different kinds of people. Some play politics in a corrupt way, while others practise it with sincerity. My prayer is that you will be among those who will practise democracy in the right way if you become governor,” the Chief Imam said.
He reminded the aspirant that human ambition can only be fulfilled by divine approval, stressing that ultimate power belongs to God.
“Whoever is seeking a position should know that only Allah can make such an ambition come true. Whether a person becomes famous or remains unknown is also by the will of Allah,” he said.
Offering prayers for the politician, the cleric added: “Many people may be struggling for a position meant for one person, and it is only God who knows the rightful person. I pray that Almighty Allah will make you the chosen one among all the contenders.”
Using a football analogy to further illustrate his point, the cleric advised Ajadi to be wary of political distractions and misleading influences.
“On the football field, sometimes spectators believe they understand the game more than the players themselves. I pray that you will not be misled by so-called political gurus and that God will guide your steps aright,” he said.
Sheikh Agbotomokekere, the 18th Chief Imam of Ibadanland, is widely respected across South-Western Nigeria for his scholarship, spiritual leadership and advocacy for peaceful coexistence among religious and political groups.
Observers say the visit forms part of Ajadi’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders, traditional rulers and religious leaders as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle in Oyo State.
The cleric offered special prayers for peace in Oyo State, successful leadership, and continued unity among the people despite political and religious differences.
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