A Professor of Human Nutrition and Dietetics at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Kayode Ajayi, has blamed poor nutrition policy implementation for 45 per cent child morbidity and mortality in the country.

He, however, acknowledged policies and programmes directed at effective nutritional processes, such as the National Policy on Food and Nutrition in Nigeria, the National Multisectoral Plan of Action on Food and Nutrition, and the Scaling up Nutrition Movement in Nigeria, but lamented poor implementation, which had made the efforts ineffective.

Ajayi, who spoke at the weekend in Ado-Ekiti during the book launch of the Nutrition Officer of the Ekiti State Primary HealthCare Development Agency (EKSPHCDA), Dr Bolanle Williams-Olorunyomi, titled “Beauty Bites,” said: “Nutrition is a critical part of health and development. Millions of children are undernourished, with about one out of three stunted. Nutrition is not just about survival but about thriving. A well-nourished child is more productive and creative among his peers.

“The average yearly rate of reduction for stunting is only 0.4 per cent. Inadequate nutrition contributes to 45 per cent of child morbidity and mortality.”

In her remark, the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, hailed the author for her courage, creativity and commitment to enriching the intellectual and cultural fabric of the society, saying that the book would not only contribute to the literary world but also shape the values and aspirations of countless readers.

Oyebanji, who was represented by the Director-General, Ekiti Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Olawunmi Famuyiwa, commented on the book, saying it’s a shining light that brights on the power of wholesome food and good nutrition, with more emphasis on beauty and vitality.

However, speaking with journalists, the author, stated that the book goes beyond nutrition to cover other lifestyle activities that promote wellness.