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By Emmanuel Adeleke
A group of researchers from the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development and the Department of Food Technology at the University of Ibadan have formulated complementary baby food, solely from locally available food items, for children between the ages of six months and two years.
The formula is the result of a TETFund Intervention Project approved for the University of Ibadan.
Speaking at the sensory evaluation presentation of the ‘Nutri Active Baby Food’ in Ibadan, the vice chancellor of University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, described the research team as a group of astute researchers and contributors to the economic development of Nigeria.
Adebowale, who was represented by the deputy vice chancellor (Administration), Professor Peter Olapegba, stated that the project looked inwards using locally and readily available food items to meet the nutritional needs of growing children.
According to him, this would grow local industries, make children well fed, and provide employment opportunities for Nigerians.
He assured that the university will give most support to the project and appreciated TETFUND for sponsoring it.
Principal Investigator of the project, Professor M. Yahaya, said the efforts of the research team were focused on putting indigenous products together.
He said the formula was capable of sustaining the children for days without any other food items as it is very rich in nutrients needed for survival.
Yahaya said the team would partner with the Nigerian food industry to mass produce the formula, thus saving the nation billions of naira that could have been spent on the importation of complementary food for babies.
The Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Mohammed Bulama, who was the special guest of honour at the public presentation, commended the efforts of the research team
He said the intervention project was suitable and timely as the majority of children today suffer from malnutrition arising from poverty and escalating costs of childrens’ needs.
Bulama, represented by the FRCN Zonal Director, Mr Dominic Mokikan, charged the researchers to be mindful of the impact the formula could have on the children who are the hope of a better tomorrow and ensure that it is safe for consumption.
The Director General appealed to the authorities to improve the economic, social and political well-being of Nigerians by putting in place policies that will help the citizens to “eat right,” which will on the long run turn the country into a wealthy and prosperous nation.
“Eating right does not only mean eating a variety of foods that can give the nutrients needed to feel good, maintain good health and right energy for our day-to-day activities. It entails eating the right quality and quantity of food at the right time,” Bulama added.
An investigator on the project, Dr Mojisola Oyewole, explained that the formula was derived from the combination of soya bean, date palm, maize, sorghum, rice, banana, orange flesh and sweet potatoes that are readily available all over the country, adding that thrle formula will come out in three flavours.
She said sensory evaluation had been done in Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara States in the North as well as Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Imo and Oyo States in the South.
She added that the long-term goal of the project include the “overall improvement of children nutrition in economically advantaged and less advantaged communities; drastic reduction of severe acute malnutrition in young children; and improvement of nutrient deficiency in protein, vitamins and minerals in the young children who would be the direct beneficiaries.”