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.
society
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
It was testimonies galore on Tuesday, March 31, the first day of the famous servant of God and founder of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman’s power-packed two-day crusade. The event documented impactful moments with the Gospel and miracles, emphasizing the power of faith and the tangible confirmation of God’s Word through signs and wonders. It was equally an atmosphere of miraculous healing, restoration of lives, and the strengthening of faith.
At the crusade, which was held at the SKD Sports Stadium in Paynesville City, and themed, “Liberia Outpouring Crusade” witnessed testimonies of impact and miracles with participants experiencing instant healing of various kinds of challenges.
Apostle Suleman’s first port of call was Paynesville, the office of Liberian government’s president, Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who received him in an audience with his junior ministers. Apostle Suleman, who also met with the vice-president, Mr. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, was welcomed by the Liberian leader’s office as part of the president’s ongoing engagements with religious leaders aimed at fostering spiritual support for national development.
The president expressed profound appreciation to Apostle Suleman for the visit and continued prayers and intercessions by men and women of God on behalf of Liberia, emphasizing his firm belief that sustained spiritual guidance and prayer remain vital to the transformation and progress of the nation.
During the visit, Apostle Suleman offered prayers for President Boakai, his cabinet and the Liberian nation, invoking divine alignment, wisdom, and insight in Liberia’s path toward growth and stability. He prayed that the Almighty God would position Liberia for relevance and fulfillment of its national destiny.
Apostle Johnson Suleman, an evangelist who knows no bounds of where preaching the gospel comes to a stop, visited Liberia prepared with the message, compelling power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, and bringing people to a point of decision where they surrendered their lives to Christ.
Aside from being prophetic and timely, OFM sources disclosed that the servant of God’s visit underscores the importance of faith-based partnerships in supporting governance and national renewal efforts.
society
Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
*Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
The Middle Belt Peace Forum (MBPF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership following his decision to postpone an official engagement in Iperu in order to visit victims of the recent attacks in Jos.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, in Jos on Friday, the Forum said the President’s decision to personally identify with grieving communities sends a powerful message of solidarity and reinforces public confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government to the protection of lives and property.
“The Middle Belt Peace Forum warmly commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising compassion over ceremony. At a time of deep sorrow for the people of Plateau State, his decision to visit Jos stands as a mark of true leadership—one that listens, responds, and stands with the people in their moment of pain,” the statement read.
The Forum described the perpetrators of the recent attacks as “cowards who prey on innocent and defenceless citizens,” stressing that such acts of violence are not only inhumane but also a direct assault on the unity and peace of the nation.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of these cowardly attackers whose only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities. Their actions must be met with firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state,” Pastor Garba said.
The MBPF further used the opportunity to salute the courage, gallantry, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, noting that their continued efforts remain central to restoring stability across troubled parts of the country.
According to the Forum, the Armed Forces have demonstrated resilience and professionalism in the face of complex security challenges, often operating under difficult conditions to safeguard communities and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“We salute the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices. Their gallantry in confronting criminal elements and reclaiming territories is a testament to their dedication to national service. We recognise that the path to peace is demanding, and we honour those who stand daily in defence of our nation,” the statement added.
The Forum pledged its full support to ongoing military operations and called for strengthened collaboration between security agencies and local communities as a critical factor in achieving lasting peace.
It also urged citizens across the Middle Belt to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information and fostering unity within their communities.
The MBPF, however, expressed concern over the need for greater synergy among security agencies, particularly the role of the Nigeria Police in consolidating gains made by the military.
“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to rise fully to its constitutional responsibility by effectively supporting the Armed Forces in stabilising and securing areas that have been cleared of criminal elements. Holding and policing such territories is essential to preventing a resurgence of violence,” Pastor Garba stated.
The Forum emphasised that sustainable peace requires a coordinated approach in which the military clears and secures areas, while the police maintain law and order to enable displaced communities to return and rebuild their lives.
The MBPF concluded by reiterating its commitment to peacebuilding efforts across the Middle Belt and expressed optimism that with sustained leadership, coordinated security efforts, and active citizen participation, lasting peace can be achieved.
“Together, through unity, vigilance, and collective resolve, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer and more peaceful Middle Belt,” the statement added.
Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London
Governor Dauda Lawal has been honored with the Outstanding Governor of the Year award by Triangle Media International Magazine.
The award was presented during the magazine’s 10th annual lecture and award ceremony, held on Thursday at the Grand Hall of King’s College, London, United Kingdom.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the awards recognize public and private sector leaders whose leadership positively impacts governance and service delivery.
He added that the lecture, themed “Harnessing the Roles of Nigerians in Diaspora for National Development,” brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
The statement read in part: “Yesterday, in London, Governor Dauda Lawal received the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Outstanding Governor of the Year.
“The 2026 edition coincides with the 10th anniversary of Triangle International Magazine, which has over the years celebrated notable Africans across diverse fields.
“The award recognizes the Zamfara State Government under Governor Lawal’s leadership for achieving remarkable milestones in service delivery since his inauguration on 29 May 2023.
“The board of Triangle International noted that, despite inheriting an empty treasury, Governor Dauda Lawal has remained true to the Rescue Agenda’s campaign promise: to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.
“The award also reflects the state government’s innovative approach to indirectly curbing insecurity through educational advancement, demonstrated by the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector.
“This includes the state government’s swift payment of the outstanding N3.4 billion for WAEC and NECO examinations, as well as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools across all 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
“The international magazine finds these initiatives to be strategic interventions toward long-term efforts to make Zamfara State better.”
The colourful event was attended by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Sahara Group’s Group Managing Director, Kola Adesina, among others.
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