…As CAPPA organises youth bootcamp for food justice
Government at all levels have been charged to prioritize healthcare of citizens by looking in to what they consume, to reduce the high rate of non communicable diseases in the country.
The Dean, University of Lagos Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof Adelaja Odukoya made the call during his address at the youth bootcamp for food justice organized by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa CAPPA for selected youths across the country in ikogosi Ekiti
Prof Odukoya said it was incumbent on the government to protect the people from unhealthy foods and make a right policy to sustain a healthy living society.
He added that the fight for food justice was a fight for the common people.
The Professor of Political Sciences charged the youths to use their energy, numerical and demographic strength to bring about food justice in the country.
Earlier, the executive director, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa Mr Oluwafemi Akinbode said Non communicable diseases plagued many household in the country as a result of consumption of highly processed food and sugar sweetened beverages which has led to the increase in cases of cardiovascular diabetes, hypertension, cancer and stroke.
He noted that Nigeria’s food environment has greatly altered in the last two decades with more people consuming ultra-proceseed product and food high in fat, salt and sugar.
The director however urged the Federal Government to impose a minimum of 20 percent tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) as part of efforts to reduce the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.
He was of the view that revenue generated from such taxation be earmarked for the development of the nation’s healthcare sector.
Mr Akinbode also charged the participants to use the knowledge gained at the camp in their various communities saying adding that the fight for food justice in Nigeria will not be won by experts alone but informed and organized citizens who are persistent and uncompromising in demanding healthier food policies.
He further called for the enforcement of sodium reduction guidelines, mandatory front-of-pack food labeling, and public education on the dangers of excessive consumption of salt, sugar, and unhealthy oils, adding that such measures would help curb related health risks.
The director who spoke on the objectives of the bootcamp, said it aims to build the capacity of youth advocates to drive and sustain campaigns for healthy food policies, strengthen youth leadership and networks for collective action, and counter food industry manipulation of young people through misleading social media campaigns.
