The Department of Dietetics at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, on Wednesday, 23rd July 2025, held the second edition of its health awareness program, “Eat Well to Keep Well.”
The event, themed “Cancer: A Dreaded Menace – Dietary Management and Prevention (Breast, Prostate, and Colorectal Cancers),” featured engaging activities such as the exhibition of various healthy drinks with their nutritional information, anthropometric/body composition measurements, and a raffle draw.
In his opening remarks, the Chief Medical Director, Prof. John Okeniyi, commended the Department of Dietetics and its interns for the impactful initiative—especially their effort in producing healthy food and drinks for individual consumption. He also encouraged staff in attendance to participate in the routine morning exercises organized by the Management as a way of promoting healthy living.
The lecture sessions were delivered by three dietetics interns and a senior dietician from the department. The interns—Ms. Opeoluwa Olotu, Ms. Barakat Olaniyi, and Ms. Oluwagbemisola Akinloye—spoke on colorectal, prostate, and breast cancers, highlighting age as the primary risk factor and sedentary lifestyle as a major contributor to colorectal cancer. They emphasized prevention through regular physical activity, and increased intake of fruits, vegetables, and fiber- and calcium-rich foods. Dietician Oluwakemi Oladipo, delivered a lecture on the role of alkaline diets in cancer prevention, noting that alkaline-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, Brussels, sprouts, and tomatoes help lower bad cholesterol.
The event concluded with a raffle draw session for lucky winners and an opportunity for participants to check their anthropometric stats—height, weight, and BMI—to better understand their health status and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Notable dignitaries present included the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Josephine Eziyi; Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Akinwumi Komolafe; and the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mrs. Foluke Fola-Alao.
