Healthy Eating Campaign: Kwara State launches “Eat a Rainbow” to combat malnutrition and promote nutrition awareness.
A Colourful Plate, A Healthier Kwara
On World Nutrition Day, Kwara State took a bold step towards reshaping how families eat one colourful plate at a time.
The state government officially launched the “Eat a Rainbow” campaign, aimed at promoting healthy eating habits, especially among children and low-income families.
The campaign, flagged off on Wednesday, is a timely response to rising health concerns tied to poor diets and childhood malnutrition.
But this is more than just another government initiative. It is a rallying call to all residents of Kwara: nourish your body, nourish your future.
A Vision of Health from the Top
Representing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the event, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, the state Commissioner for Finance, made it clear that the government isn’t just talking the talk they’re walking it.
“This campaign is more than just about fruits and vegetables.
It is a call to action a reminder that the choices we make today directly shape the future of our children, families, and communities,” she emphasized.
With “Eat a Rainbow,” families are encouraged to consume a variety of colourful foods like red tomatoes,
leafy greens, yellow bananas, orange carrots, and purple eggplants each day to stay strong and healthy.
The vibrant metaphor carries a deeper meaning: diversity on your plate equals vitality in your life.
Practical Tips for Everyday Nutrition
Eating well doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.
Dr. Amina El-Imam, the state Commissioner for Health, offered accessible tips that resonate with the everyday Nigerian.
“Add groundnuts to your garri, mix moimoi with your pap, toss vegetables like efo tete and gbure into every meal,” she advised.
Her message is simple yet powerful: nutrition can be achieved on a budget, especially when local ingredients are utilised wisely.
These local food hacks align with everyday realities, showing families that health is not reserved for the wealthy.
Why This Campaign Matters Now
Kwara State, like many parts of Nigeria, continues to grapple with malnutrition, especially among children.
According to Dr. El-Imam, although there’s been progress, the work is far from over.
“In 2018, the rate of under-five malnutrition stood at 7.3%.
Today, it is down to 6.1%, but that still translates to over 50,000 children needing urgent nutritional support,” she revealed.
This condition, known as wasting, occurs when children become too thin for their height, often due to poor diets or prolonged illness.
It not only hampers their growth but also puts them at higher risk of infections and cognitive delays.
The government’s response?
A strengthened commitment to reduce these numbers further through public education, local interventions, and strategic healthcare partnerships.
Promoting Nutrition from the Ground Up
One standout feature of the campaign is the grassroots approach.
From health centres to local communities, the government has trained healthcare workers to assist families in understanding and applying better nutrition practices.
This localized model ensures that the message doesn’t remain stuck in conference halls but travels to kitchens and dining tables where it truly matters.
“We’ve equipped health workers with the knowledge and tools to guide mothers and caregivers.
Our goal is to make nutrition accessible village to village, home to home,” Dr. El-Imam affirmed.
Voices of Encouragement
The First Lady of Kwara State, Olufolake AbdulRazaq, represented by John Bello, lauded the initiative.
She urged families to see nutrition as an investment in their children’s future.
Guest speaker, Professor Fausat Kolawole, painted a clear picture of the problems the campaign seeks to address.
“Unhealthy eating habits, fast food consumption, and poverty are the real enemies here,” she warned.
Her advice to parents? Cook at home and stick to natural, local ingredients.
Her point lands squarely in a modern Nigerian context where fast food is increasingly replacing traditional home-cooked meals.
Local Leaders Show Support
Among those who graced the event were notable traditional leaders like the Emir of Shonga, Dr. Haliru Yahaya, and Balogun Alanamu, Dr. Abubakar Jos.
Their presence sends a strong message: health is a shared responsibility across all sectors of society from government offices to royal courts.
These figures have committed to helping amplify the “Eat a Rainbow” message across their communities, using their influence to drive change.
From Policy to Plate: How Kwara is Making a Difference
Kwara’s health authorities are not just launching campaigns they are following up with data-backed actions.
Since 2018, investments in health education, nutritional support programs, and medical infrastructure have yielded measurable reductions in malnutrition.
Still, the journey is long.
“The drop in wasting is encouraging, but we want to bring it to below 3% in the next three years,” said Dr. El-Imam.
With continued political will and community participation, this goal may well be within reach.
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Why ‘Eat a Rainbow’ Could Be a Game-Changer
At its core, “Eat a Rainbow” is a public health initiative rooted in simplicity. It doesn’t ask citizens to buy imported food or adopt foreign diets.
Instead, it celebrates the bounty of local Nigerian produce affordable, accessible, and rich in nutrients.
Here’s what makes it powerful:
Visual Appeal: The colourful metaphor makes nutrition easier to grasp, even for children.
Local Context: Tips rely on locally grown, familiar foods.
Affordability: It removes the myth that healthy eating must be expensive.
Scalability: The message can easily be adapted for schools, workplaces, and religious centres.
What Comes Next?
The government intends to take the “Eat a Rainbow” message statewide.
Campaign materials, community workshops, school engagements, and media programs will form part of the next phase.
Dr. El-Imam noted that more public-private partnerships are in the pipeline, targeting both urban and rural communities.
These partnerships aim to supply low-cost nutritional supplements, support local farmers, and provide free nutrition education at health centres.
Your Plate, Your Power
You don’t have to wait for a health crisis to begin eating well. The time to act is now.
As this campaign shows, health starts with the little things:
the extra spoon of vegetables, choosing water over soda, or picking fresh mangoes instead of packaged snacks.
Whether you’re a parent, student, or business owner your choices matter.
So, what will you eat today?
A Healthier Future, One Meal at a Time
Kwara State has set the table. Through the “Eat a Rainbow” campaign, they are serving hope, health, and sustainability.
Now, it’s up to residents to take a seat, grab a fork, and build a healthier future one meal at a time.
Let’s keep the conversation going: What colourful food will you add to your plate today?
Author: Tunde alimi
Date: May 29,2025