The Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), Ogun State Chapter, recently held its annual Symposium with the theme “Sport Nutrition” at the College of Veterinary Medicine (COLVET) Auditorium, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
In his Welcome Address, the Chairman, Dr. W.A.O Afolabi, disclosed that NSN, as the official body of nutrition professionals in Nigeria was committed to advancing the course of nutrition in the country’s national development.
According to him, the association also influence policies that will bring about improvement in the nutrition content of Nigerians, especially women and children being most vulnerable.
Dr. Afolabi said the Symposium was auspicious adding that, Nigeria has been recording less than satisfactory performance at the local, continental and international scene, on issues bordering on nutrition.
Dr. Afolabi reiterated the role of nutrition in the performance of athletes, stating that it must be taken seriously by sport administrators in Nigeria if the country must regain its rightful place in sports.
In his speech, the former National President of NSN, Professor Babatunde Oguntona, said it was regrettable that while other countries of the world pay serious attention to the nutrition of their athletes, the Nigerian government has not been able to factor it into its sports development.
Delivering her Keynote Address, the Dean, College of Food Sciences and Human Ecology(COLFHEC), Prof. (Mrs.) Olufunke Henshaw, disclosed that NSN has been a pride to the College adding that, sports as physical exercises require adequate energy.
Professor Henshaw emphasized on the essential nutrients of the body, which makes water to be the most important and cautioned that “lack of water kills faster than lack of food”.
She said sport nutrition could improve the overall health of athletes and enhance their performances and spoke of the need by athletes to increase muscle and decrease the fat body content.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun said he was proud of NSN, Ogun State chapter, saying its members have been contributing to their immediate society and the nation in general.
Represented by the Director, Academic Planning, Prof. Adekojo Waheed, he described the Symposium as being a knowledge gathering and sharing programme.