The Kwara State Government has unveiled a fresh public health campaign titled “Eat a Rainbow”, aimed at promoting healthy eating habits among families as part of activities marking World Nutrition Day.
The initiative, launched on Wednesday, encourages residents to include a colourful variety of fruits and vegetables in their daily meals to improve overall health and combat malnutrition — a challenge still affecting thousands of children in the state.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented at the event by the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, described the campaign as a vital step toward improving the wellbeing of Kwarans.
“This campaign is more than just about fruits and vegetables. It is a call to action a reminder that the choices we make today directly shape the future of our children, families, and communities,” the Governor said.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, shared practical tips with attendees, emphasizing that eating well does not have to be expensive.
“Add groundnuts to your garri, mix moimoi with your pap, toss vegetables like efo tete and gbure into every meal,” she advised, highlighting affordable and nutritious local options.
First Lady of Kwara State, Olufolake AbdulRazaq, represented by John Bello, commended the campaign, urging families across the state to take nutrition seriously as a foundation for healthier living.
Guest speaker, Prof. Fausat Kolawole, pointed to poor dietary habits, rising poverty, and an over-reliance on fast food as major contributors to malnutrition in both children and adults. She encouraged parents to return to home-cooked meals using fresh, local ingredients.
At the event, the government disclosed that 6.1% of children under the age of five in Kwara State are currently suffering from wasting, a form of acute malnutrition that causes a child to become dangerously thin for their height.
Dr. El-Imam noted that this figure has dropped from 7.3% in 2018 to the current 6.1%, which translates to an estimated 50,744 under-five children needing urgent nutritional support.
“We are not resting. Health workers are being trained and deployed across health centres and communities to provide nutrition counselling and care for mothers and children,” she stated.
The event drew a large crowd, including government officials, health professionals, and traditional leaders such as the Emir of Shonga, Dr. Haliru Yahaya, and Balogun Alanamu, Dr. Abubakar Jos.
Officials confirmed that the “Eat a Rainbow” campaign will be rolled out across all local government areas in the state, with targeted community sensitization and health education programs to ensure families adopt better eating habits and reduce cases of child malnutrition.
