By Tiawo Niyi-Kwara
A well-known community health service provider, Azeez Amuda Olayinka has highlighted the importance of proper eye care through the consumption of healthy, locally available foods.
Olayinka, popularly known as ‘Baba Oloju,’ shared these insights during a health talk organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kwara Council, marking the commencement of their 2024 Press Week.
Olayinka emphasized that maintaining good eyesight does not necessarily require expensive foods, but rather a focus on nutrient-rich local foods.
He advised Nigerians to incorporate affordable items like palm oil, pawpaw, and carrots into their diet, noting that these foods are rich in Vitamin A, which is essential for eye health.
“Taking care of our eyes through healthy eating is crucial,” he stated. “You don’t need to break the bank with expensive supermarket items. Local foods available in our markets can provide the necessary nutrients to keep both the body and eyes functioning well.”
Olayinka also warned against the dangers of seeking eye treatments from unqualified individuals.
He expressed concern over the widespread practice of visiting roadside medicine vendors and untrained pharmacists, which often leads to incorrect prescriptions and further eye damage.
“It’s dangerous to visit quacks for eye treatments or glasses. Many people have unknowingly caused serious harm to their eyes by following such practices,” he cautioned.
“Applying substances like Kanfo or breast milk for eye conditions like Apollo is particularly harmful and should be avoided.”
He further advised that people should read in well-lit environments and take short breaks after every hour of reading to prevent eye strain.
The Kwara NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel Press Week activities will continue on Wednesday with a seminar for members at a resort center in Offa.
The event will conclude on Thursday at the Diamond Event Centre, Yidi Road, Ilorin, with a public lecture.
The lecture will feature Professor Lukman Adeshina Azeez of the University of Ilorin and Senator Umar Suleiman Sadiq of Kwara North, discussing topics on journalism’s role in promoting good governance and the responsibilities of citizens in a democracy.