Food Scientist Warns Against Unhealthy Diet as Culinary School Graduates 27 Students in Uyo

 

Cross section of Graduates with the proprietress of IdyJay culinary school 

A Food Scientist and Managing Director of IDYJAY Culinary School, Idara Emmanuel Okon, has cautioned Nigerians against unhealthy eating habits, linking poor diet to rising cases of cancer and other health complications in the country.

She gave the warning yesterday during the graduation ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ students of the IdyJay culinary school in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

According to Mrs. Okon, while many people perceive healthy eating as expensive, the cost of treating illnesses resulting from poor nutrition is far higher.

“Eating healthy food is not costly, but treating ailments caused by unhealthy food and drinks is much more expensive,” she said, urging Nigerians to be mindful of what they consume, including water.

The food scientist attributed increasing reports of cancer-related illnesses in hospitals to poor dietary choices, stressing that indiscriminate consumption of unhealthy foods and drinks could lead to serious health consequences.

She explained that the institution was established not only to train individuals in culinary skills but also to promote food safety and healthy living.

“At the school, we train students on food safety, hazards, presentation, and quality standards to ensure they produce meals that are safe and beneficial to society,” she noted.

Mrs. Okon emphasized that practical competence outweighs certification in the culinary profession, stating that skills account for a greater percentage of success in the labour market.

“The certificate is just about 20 percent; what you can do professionally is 80 percent of who you are,” she added.

She charged the graduating students to uphold high standards and avoid compromising quality, warning that poor practices in food production could endanger public health.

In her valedictory speech, the outgoing class representative, Wonderful-love Israel Emmanuel, described their training as impactful, noting that it equipped them with both practical skills and a deeper understanding of the science of food.

She expressed appreciation to the management and instructors of the institution for their guidance and mentorship throughout the programme.

Established in 2022, IDYJAY Kitchen Culinary School operates in partnership with an international food safety institution and focuses on equipping students with industry-relevant skills.

The event featured exhibitions of food products prepared by the graduating students and the presentation of certificates of competence, marking the transition of the trainees into the professional culinary space.

Stakeholders at the event noted that promoting healthy eating practices remains critical to improving public health outcomes and reducing the burden of preventable diseases in Nigeria.

Senator Ekong Sampson Highlights Development Strides in Akwa Ibom South

The lawmaker representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Ekong Sampson, has outlined a series of development projects and legislative interventions aimed at improving healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic opportunities across the district.

At the centre of his legislative achievements is the sponsorship of a bill establishing a Federal Medical Centre in Akwa Ibom South, which has now been passed into law. The project is expected to enhance access to quality healthcare services, reduce pressure on existing facilities, and create employment opportunities within the state.

In the education sector, Senator Sampson is undertaking the upgrade of Excellence College, Ikot Unya in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area into a model institution. The project includes the addition of a police post and ICT/Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, aimed at providing a secure and technology-driven learning environment.

Further investments in education include the disbursement of N100 million to over 500 students and some teachers across the senatorial district. The lawmaker also provided N500,000 to support a first-class law graduate of the University of Uyo for Law School fees, alongside a N10 million scholarship scheme for Law School students from the district.

To expand digital access, additional ICT/CBT centres have been established at St. Francis Secondary School, Ikot Ataku, Eket, and St. Vincent Secondary School, Oti-Oro, Okobo, bringing the total number of such centres to three across the district’s federal constituencies.

Beyond education, the senator has implemented empowerment programmes, including the distribution of vehicles, business grants, engine boats, tricycles, motorcycles, and farming tools to constituents. He is also credited with facilitating the employment of over 50 individuals into federal ministries, departments, and agencies.

Infrastructure development remains a key focus, with several road projects ongoing across the district. These include the 3.3-kilometre Ikot Unya–Nung Ukim–Ikot Ekpe Road, the 13.8-kilometre Ibekwe Akpanya–Ikot Unya–Ikot Eda–Iffe Town–Ikot Abasi Akpan-Ekpuk Road, and the 3-kilometre Ikot Unya–Ikot Umiang Junction Road. The projects are being executed by agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Akwa Ibom State Government, and the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

In addition, several farm roads have been opened and graded to support agricultural activities and improve market access for rural farmers.

Healthcare interventions by the senator include the construction of doctors’ call rooms at General Hospital, Ikot Abasi, and Immanuel Hospital, Eket, with similar work ongoing at General Hospital, Iquita in Oron. He has also facilitated an erosion control project in Ekeya, Okobo, to address environmental challenges in the area.

Efforts to improve power supply and telecommunications have also been highlighted, with the provision of transformers and the reactivation of electricity infrastructure in some communities, alongside improved telecom services.

The senator has further advocated for the operationalisation of key economic institutions, including the University of Maritime Studies, Oron, and the revitalisation of the Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) in Ikot Abasi, both seen as critical to driving industrial growth and employment.

Observers say the projects reflect a focus on practical development outcomes across sectors, as calls for continuity in representation continue to emerge within the senatorial district.