In recent times there has been a call for the Nigerian government to diversify the economy.
Initiator, Taylor Odeje Foundation, Chef Taylor Odeje, has advised that continuous importation of food poses danger to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
Odeje made the declaration while speaking on enrichment and servicing other country’s economy and exportation of jobs and businesses alongside with free flow of unwholesome food products into the country, thereby has increased disease burden on Nigerians.
He said it should be discouraged and government and Nigerians should look inwards to grow and develop organic food, which helps the people to remain healthy and sound.
According to him: “Generally people don’t care about what they eat and it is scary, but hopefully with the new wave with people like me and people coming around I think we will be able to empower people and let people know better what they need and eat. Letting them know that is not witches and wizards that are responsible for their health challenges but what they are eating that is causing the damage.
“Food importation should be discouraged because we are servicing other people’s economy, jobs and businesses we should have in the country to employ more people that would boost the economy, and the health challenges most of these imported foods do, like GMOs, frozen meats because of the use of chemicals and preservatives are bad. Eating all these things would lead to super bacteria that anti-biotics can tackle.
“Look at cancer cases increasing. In Europe and America people are pushing for organic foods and they are expensive. We should appreciate what we produce as food that is fresh and harness it and see how we stop the importation and start growing home made products.”
He also urged parents to give heed to the issue of balanced diet for their children and wards in order for them to have a productive and healthy life as they grow up.
“For children they need a lot of proteins, vitamins and the complete package. Children could also be picking food but we encourage parents to do a lot of vegetables, and cooking it the right way in order to have the basic nutrients”, he said.
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