Nutritionist Consultant, Dr Bamidele Davis Omotola, has urged nutritionists across Nigeria to take a more active role in promoting healthy food culture through public education and awareness, emphasising the importance of informed food choices in improving the nation’s health.

Dr Omotola made the call during an appearance on the Nigerian Television Authority’s (NTA) Good Morning Nigeria programme, themed “Improving Nutrition in Nigeria”.

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He stressed that nutritionists have a responsibility to educate individuals and communities about healthy food choices, balanced diets and appropriate eating habits.

According to him, promoting a positive food culture requires consistent nutrition education that helps people understand the relationship between what they eat and their overall well-being.

He noted that better eating habits do not develop overnight but are encouraged through sustained awareness, access to reliable nutritional information and a willingness to make healthier dietary decisions.

The nutritionist’s comments highlight the important role professionals in the health and nutrition sector can play in addressing unhealthy eating patterns and improving public understanding of dietary needs.

In Nigeria, where food choices are influenced by income, availability, cultural practices and personal preferences, promoting healthy eating requires more than simply telling people what to eat.

It also involves helping households understand how to make nutritious choices within their available resources.

Nutrition education can help people appreciate the value of balanced meals, adequate fruit and vegetable consumption, appropriate portion sizes and reduced intake of excessive salt, sugar and unhealthy fats.

Dr Omotola’s message therefore places nutritionists at the centre of efforts to build a healthier society, with public enlightenment serving as an important tool for encouraging sustainable changes in eating behaviour.

His appeal also reinforces the need for stronger collaboration between nutrition professionals, government institutions, schools, healthcare providers and communities to make reliable dietary guidance more accessible.

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As Nigeria continues to confront public health challenges associated with poor nutrition, promoting a positive food culture could help individuals and families make more informed decisions about their daily meals.