A doctor of Philosophy in Home Economics and the first Female Deputy Rector for Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Dr. Taiwo Adekemi Akinyemi has called on Nigerians to embrace healthy lifestyle practices which is capable of promoting wellness and longevity.
Dr. Taiwo Akinyemi made this call during the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, (OYSCATECH), Igboora first Inaugural Lecture held at the 800 Seater Hall of the Institution on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
In her Inaugural Lecture titled; “Wellness Beyond Wealth: Enhancing Healthy Lifestyles practices among Nigerians in Hydra-Headed Economic Hardship,” Dr. Akinyemi explained that the notion of wellness beyond wealth, promotes the importance of mental, physical and social well-being regardless of financial means.
She hinted that healthy lifestyle consists of good nutrition and good feeding habit, regular exercises, non-smoking, non-alcohol consumption, safe drug use, avoidance of casual and unprotected sex and upholding positive traditional value, while noting that embracing healthy lifestyle practices can guarantee the survival of families in the face of hardship.
She noted that there are increasing cases of poor nutrition, poverty, lack of financial resources for basic healthcare and depression that triggers life threatening diseases such as high blood pressure and spike in blood sugar and many more.
She frowned at the economic hardship resulting from policies of government which is biting hard on Nigerians, thereby making it unbearable for many families to provide basic needs for their families, which has resulted into pains, anger, depression, hopelessness and social unrest.
Dr. Akinyemi revealed that imbibing healthy lifestyle practices will bring about improved productivity, mental health and life expectancy in addition to enhanced quality of life, enhanced body immunity and reduced diseases risks.
She also emphasized the need for Nigerians to manage both physical and psychological stress occasioned by the present economic hardship in the country by embracing physical exercise, meditation, relaxation techniques, socializing, learning to accept changes, sharing emotional feelings with others, reduction in alcohol and cigarette in-take and controlling work situation among others.
She therefore called for concerted efforts by individuals and families to imbibe healthy lifestyle practices in order to assuage the deteriorating health status of members of the society while calling on other stakeholders to embrace healthy life style practices through drinking lots of water, healthy clothing, having enough sleep, fruits and vegetable consumption, listening to music, regular check-ups, adequate rest and eating of balanced diet.
In her words. “There is lack of policy that is directed at promoting healthy lifestyle of people in Nigeria.” She therefore called for more policy effort by government that will promote healthy lifestyle practices in Nigeria such as promotion of physical activities in schools, increase taxation on unhealthy foods, reduced taxation on healthy food to promote consumption among others.”
“Chinese government introduced a deliberate and robust poverty alleviation programme in rural communities across the country. I believe that Nigeria can learn from this successful programme and adapt it appropriately,” she said.
The inaugural lecture was well attended by Past and Present Principal officers, Staff, OYSCATECH Alumni, friends and Families of the Inaugural Lecturer. Some of which include; the Rector, Prof. Akinola Akinlabi, Registrar, Mr. R.F.A. Adeniji represented by Mr. Olajire Gbadamosi, the Secretary to the Management, the Bursar, Mr. Modupe Ogundapo, Engr. Dauda Salam Adeniran, Director of Works and Services.
Others are the former Rector, Prof. Gbemiga Adewale, former Deputy Rector, Dr. Ariyo Okunlola, former Bursar, Dr. Sarafa Agbogun, Mr. Paul Oyediran former acting Registrar, the pioneer Dean, School of Engineering, Prof. T.M.A. Olayanju, the husband to the Inaugural Lecturer, Dr. Abiodun Taiwo Akinyemi, Mr Ademola Akinyemi, Mr. Bayo Akinyemi from CBN, Oba Jinadu Fasasi, Onisaganun of Saganun, Dr. Adetunbi Saheed Ige from LAUTECH, Dr. Adeyemi Bamigbola form FUNAAB, Dr.Dayo Akibo, Vice Patron, Abeokuta Sports Club and a host of others.
