A Doctor of Philosophy in Home Economics and the first female Deputy Rector of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igboora, Dr. Taiwo Adekemi Akinyemi, has called on Nigerians to embrace a healthy lifestyle capable of promoting wellness and longevity.
Dr. Akinyemi made this call during OYSCATECH’s first inaugural lecture, held recently at the institution’s 800-seater hall.
In her inaugural lecture titled “Wellness Beyond Wealth: Enhancing Healthy Lifestyle Practices Among Nigerians in Hydra-Headed Economic Hardship,” Dr. Akinyemi explained that the notion of “wellness beyond wealth” emphasizes the importance of mental, physical, and social well-being, regardless of financial means.
She noted that a healthy lifestyle consists of good nutrition and feeding habits, regular exercise, non-smoking, abstaining from alcohol, safe drug use, avoidance of casual and unprotected sex, and upholding positive traditional values.
She emphasized that embracing healthy lifestyle practices can help families survive in the face of hardship.
Dr. Akinyemi pointed out the increasing cases of poor nutrition, poverty, lack of financial resources for basic healthcare, and depression, which trigger life-threatening diseases such as high blood pressure and spikes in blood sugar.
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She also criticized the economic hardship resulting from government policies that have made it difficult for many families to provide for their basic needs, leading to pain, anger, depression, hopelessness, and social unrest.
Dr. Akinyemi highlighted that adopting healthy lifestyle practices will improve productivity, mental health, life expectancy, and overall quality of life.
She urged Nigerians to manage both physical and psychological stress caused by the current economic situation through physical exercise, meditation, relaxation techniques, socializing, learning to accept changes, sharing emotional feelings with others, reducing alcohol and cigarette intake, and managing work situations, among others.
She called for concerted efforts by individuals and families to adopt healthy lifestyle practices to address the deteriorating health status in society.
She also urged stakeholders to embrace healthy lifestyle practices, such as drinking plenty of water, wearing healthy clothing, getting enough sleep, eating fruits and vegetables, listening to music, scheduling regular check-ups, taking adequate rest, and consuming a balanced diet.
“There is a lack of policy directed at promoting the healthy lifestyle of people in Nigeria,” she stated, calling for more government policies to promote healthy lifestyle practices, including promoting physical activities in schools, increasing taxes on unhealthy foods, and reducing taxes on healthy foods to encourage their consumption.
“The Chinese government introduced a robust poverty alleviation program in rural communities across the country. I believe Nigeria can learn from this successful program and adapt it appropriately,” she added.
The inaugural lecture was well attended by past and present principal officers, staff, OYSCATECH alumni, and friends and family of the lecturer. Attendees included 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; former Rector of OYSCATECH, Professor 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, Professor T.M.A. Olayanju; the lecturer’s husband, 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 from FUNAAB; Dr. Dayo Akibo, Vice Patron, Abeokuta Sports Club, and many others.
