A food scientist in the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Kafayat Adebayo, has warned Nigerians to avoid consumption of excessively processed and ultra-processed foods to safeguard their health.

Adebayo, the Oyo State Coordinator, Port Health Services in the ministry, stated this while delivering a health talk at the 2026 quarterly lecture organised by the Criterion, Oyo District, yesterday, in Ibadan.

She said that most over-processed and refined foods and drinks had been stripped of their beneficial nutrients and contributed to most chronic and life-threatening diseases currently common in society.

According to the public health expert, Nigeria is blessed with so many traditional and natural foods, which are available in abundance.

“Let us look around, choose and eat more natural foods and fruits that are locally available.

“These foods are often cheaper, safer, and more affordable.

“By doing this, we can improve our health and reduce our risk of infections, thereby safeguarding both our individual health and public health in Nigeria,” Adebayo said.

Adebayo further advised Nigerians to eat more fruits, vegetables, and beans, avoid late-night eating habits, exercise regularly and conduct regular check-ups for early disease detection and cure.

Also speaking, an educationist and Proprietress of Al-Barka Group of Schools, Jamilat Gbadegesin, urged Nigerians to shun consumption of hard drugs.

Gbadegesin, who spoke on the topic: “Sources of Shariah and its application in Community” also said that the Quran and Sunnah urge Muslims to be tolerant of adherents of other religions.

She said that many people in the society misunderstood the concept of Shariah and limited it to just cutting off hands.

Earlier, the Amirah of Criterion, Sakirat Ibraimoh, said the lecture was organised to mobilise and educate Muslims, especially women, on their roles in the community.