Nigerians, most especially, young people have been warned about the numerous dangers associated with consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), which health experts say are fueling a growing obesity crisis among Nigerian youths.
The warning came on Thursday during a public health sensitisation event organised by the Christian Initiative for Nation Building (CINB) in partnership with the Department of Theatre Arts, Redeemer’s University, Ede. The event was held in Osogbo.
The sensitization featured a stage play titled “Traps of Sweetness”, which told a compelling story about the harmful effects of sugary drinks in a way that students could understand and remember. The programme attracted government officials, health professionals, NGO members, and students from different schools across Osun State.
President of CINB, Dr. Adeniyi Oginni, said the campaign was launched in response to the growing health concerns in young people between the ages of 9 and 24 suffering from obesity, largely due to the overconsumption of sugar-filled drinks.
“This is a timely intervention. We’ve already started visiting schools to teach students, and now we’re using drama and storytelling to help them remember the dangers. We need to let people know the dangers associated with SSBs. There are so many alternatives to these soft drinks and we want people to explore the alternatives,” Dr. Oginni said.
He also urged the government to increase taxes on sugary drinks as a way to discourage their consumption. Addressing fears that this could lead to jobs losses in the beverage industry, Oginni said, “This is like the tobacco campaign. Companies can still do business by producing healthier alternatives. Many of them are already producing table water. There won’t be job losses just a change in how things are done. They can start producing alternatives.
“In 2021, we achieved a tax of N10 per liter on sugar sweetened beverages but what we want is more. Something like N150 per litre. This will help discourage consumption,” Oginni said.
Permanent Secretary, Osun State Ministry of Health, Dr. Isiaq Adekunle, said the state government is ready to partner with CINB and other organisations in promoting healthier lifestyles across the state.
“As a chief policy maker, we are set to partner with any organization that is bringing development to our people. The government appreciates what Dr Oginni and his organization are doing and we will be ready to work with them on achieving healthier life for Osun people.” Adekunle declares.
Clerk of the Osun State House of Assembly, Simeon Akinwale Amusan, who represented Speaker Adewale Egbedun at the event praised the organisers for the initiative and called for more efforts to educate residents, most especially the grassroots communities.
Amusan said the House of Assembly will look at how to work on joining forces with CINB to formulate right framework for the sensitization.
Other stakeholders also spoke about the positive impact the programme has had on students’ attitudes toward their health while adding that the National Legislature and Osun State legislature can play a key role by introducing policies and bills to increase taxes on sugary beverages and encourage community-level awareness.
Some of the students who attended the event shared what they had learned, saying the experience opened their eyes to the health risks associated with drinking too many sugary beverages.
CINB announced that the advocacy will continue in more schools and communities. The organisation also plans to set up “Healthy Life Vanguards” in schools across Osun, who will serve as peer educators and advocates against the consumption of sugary drinks.
Advertisement
