As part of efforts aimed at expanding its scope on food production, the Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State, has inaugurated a school- gardening programme tagged: “School Garden/Nutri-Fan Club.”

The initiator of the Garden programme, Dr Patricia Ogechi Ukegbu, who is the Acting Head, Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, described the initiative as a significant milestone in their attempt in promoting good dietary, hygienic and agricultural practices among the adolescents to further prevent diet-related diseases including diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular.

Ukegbu underscored the importance of nutrition and health during the adolescent ages of 10-19 years, stating that the adolescents constitute about 21 per cent or 41 million of the Nigerian population.

She said adequate nutrition during this age is critical to compensate for possible defects suffered during childhood, meet the demands of physical and cognitive growth and development, and prevent several diet-related diseases.

Ukegbu added that the project would additionally serve as a laboratory and practical hub for the students of the university and its Demonstration School, to acquire more knowledge on various types of foods and their nutrients, as well as empower adolescents with skills needed to make informed food choices and lifestyle that will shape their wellbeing.

The garden programme launch, conducted by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe – a Food Scientist at the university’s Demonstration Secondary School, also featured the unveiling of a book “Basic Nutrition, Hygiene & Gardening Techniques: A Guide for Adolescents,” written by same Ukegbu. The School’s Garden/Nutri-Fan Club was also inaugurated during the event.

The VC, represented by the Deputy VC (Administration), Professor Ursula Akanwa, stressed the need for healthy living through eating of balanced diet that ought to include fruits and vegetables, and less of fatty and junk foods that pose danger to healthcare, rather than sustain human growth and development.

He commended Ukegbu for initiating the programme, as another effort of the university in promoting good dietary, hygiene and agricultural practices among the adolescents, and encouraging students to acquire practical farming knowledge.

While the host school principal, Mr Elendu, described the project as timely, he counseled Nigerians, especially students to cultivate the habits of planting crops using sack-packed-bag or the spaces available in their homes for gardening to enhance food security.