Lagos State supports 250 grassroots women with food and nutrition education under its “Ounje Lo Re Awo” outreach to promote healthier living

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Lagos State Government has provided food support and nutritional education to 250 women drawn from four local government areas as part of its ongoing grassroots empowerment initiative.

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In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation announced that the intervention was part of the “Ounje Lo Re Awo” programme — a food and nutrition outreach designed to promote healthy living among women at the grassroots level.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Dada, said the initiative went beyond feeding. It was a deliberate attempt to restore dignity, encourage wellness, and equip women with practical tools for healthier lifestyles.

“This initiative is not just about food; it is about restoring dignity, promoting wellness, and empowering our women with the tools to live healthier, more informed lives,” Dada stated during the distribution event.

She emphasised that the programme aligns with the vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to prioritise women’s welfare, healthcare, and social protection in Lagos State.

“It’s one thing to have a source of livelihood; it’s another to eat right,” she explained. “That’s why we didn’t just give them food. We also brought in nutritionists to educate them on how to eat well and live well.”

This initiative is not just about food; it is about restoring dignity and promoting wellness.

Women from Kosofe, Agboyi-Ketu, Ikeja, and Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Areas gathered at the Isheri Skills Acquisition Centre, where they received food items such as rice, beans, curry, fresh vegetables, eggs, and whole chickens.

“Every beneficiary got a full chicken — not half, not quarter — because we want them to feel valued and nourished,” Dada added.

She extended gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his continued support for women-focused programmes and praised the efforts of community leaders and medical professionals who collaborated on the outreach.

One of the event’s facilitators, nutritionist Sola Malomo, advised the women to incorporate affordable and nutrient-rich local ingredients into their diets.

He highlighted the benefits of vegetables, water, and traditional staples such as okra for maintaining overall wellbeing.

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The “Ounje Lo Re Awo” initiative is part of Lagos State’s broader drive to enhance social protection, fight poverty, and promote public health by equipping women with both immediate food support and long-term nutritional knowledge.