Febe Falodun & Deborah Hundenu
The Ogun State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) held a health talk as part of the activities marking its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The event, which took place at the NITP Ogun Secretariat in Ijeun-Lukosi, Abeokuta, was aimed at educating and enlightening attendees on healthy eating habits and the importance of regular eye checkups.
A key highlight of the programme was a detailed presentation by Dietician Esther Oyewole, who emphasized the significance of a balanced diet for overall well-being.
In her speech, she recommended early morning meals, stating that the ideal time to eat is between 6:30am and 7:00 a.m., as the digestive system functions best during this period.
“The digestive machinery works best early in the morning to break down food intake,” she explained.
Oyewole further advised individuals above the age of 40 to reduce or eliminate fried foods from their diets, stating, “Once you are 40 years and above, leave fried foods for your children as it is not good for your health.”
She also encouraged the daily consumption of at least five different fruits, such as oranges, pawpaw, watermelon, guava, and apples, to maintain a healthy body.
Highlighting the best sources of oils and fiber for a healthy diet, Oyewole recommended foods like olive oil, fish oil, walnuts, oats, cereals, legumes, and pap (a traditional Nigerian cornmeal dish), urging participants to incorporate these into their meals for improved health.
In another presentation, Dr. Ejiro, an optician from Scorpio Vision Limited, addressed the major causes of blindness, which include cataracts, myopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, glaucoma, and hypertensive retinopathy.
He stressed the importance of regular eye checkups, warning against self-diagnosis and home remedies.
“Your eyes are one of the most important parts of your body. Regular checkups are crucial for maintaining eye health,” Ejiro advised.
The health talk was just one part of the NITP Ogun Chapter’s broader agenda to promote wellness and planning within the state.
Town Planner Wakil Solabi, a consultant and a member of the planning committee, spoke about the necessity of health awareness alongside strategic urban planning.
He noted that early knowledge of one’s health status allows for timely interventions and better long-term outcomes.
Quoting a popular saying, Solabi remarked, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”
Solabi also provided insights into the AGM’s progress, describing the event as 90% successful based on participant feedback.
He praised the contributions of various experts who had shared valuable knowledge during the event, noting that the exchange of ideas has been both informative and impactful.
Additionally, Solabi highlighted the NITP’s collaboration with Community Development Associations (CDAs) in Ogun State.
This partnership aims to foster greater community involvement in urban planning efforts, with the goal of creating more livable, sustainable, and friendly environments.
According to Solabi, such initiatives will help ensure that strategic planning remains integral to the state’s overall development.
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