By Emeka Chiaghanam, Awka
Mrs. Nonye Soludo, the First Lady of Anambra State, has appealed for controlled salt consumption in light of the rising mortality rates and illnesses linked to excessive sodium intake in foods.
Mrs. Soludo made this plea during her address in Awka, where she engaged with businesswomen and female farmers affiliated with the Ultimate Business Women and Farmers Association of Nigeria. The women had convened for a one-day program that encompassed activities such as community walks, physical fitness routines, medical check-ups, and informative discussions on health.
In her address to the women, Mrs. Soludo drew attention to recent statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO) which revealed that over two million annual deaths can be attributed to salt-related health issues.
She underscored the significance of salt as a vital food ingredient while cautioning against its excessive consumption, as it can lead to severe health complications.
Mrs. Soludo urged the women to exercise vigilance in their dietary choices, emphasizing that a commitment to healthy living is paramount for well-being, as neglecting one’s health can have adverse consequences on overall vitality.
Furthermore, she stressed the importance of embracing organic agriculture and its positive implications for human and environmental health. The First Lady encouraged female farmers to consider organic farming not only as a secure practice but also as one that promotes health and sustainability.
Mrs. Soludo also shed light on her own “Healthy Living Project” and encouraged the women to take an active role in promoting healthy living within their communities. She suggested that their impact should extend beyond personal adherence to healthy practices and encompass the propagation of these ideas within their immediate social circles.
In her introductory remarks, the National President of the association, Mrs. Nkiru Onuigbo, commended the First Lady for leading a transformative campaign aimed at making healthy living a commonplace practice in Anambra State.
The event also witnessed the presence of notable figures, including Anambra State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Forster Ihejiofor, former Anambra State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Professor Stella Okunna, and Anambra State Woman Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mrs. Chinyere Onyekesi, among others.