On Friday, the Dunukofia Local Government Area chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo – the apex socio‑cultural organisation of the Igbo people – launched a women‑support empowerment programme that provided N20,000 to each of 60 women while warning that “junk food” is responsible for many modern illnesses and urging a return to traditional Igbo cuisine.
The initiative, led by chapter chairman Chief Uchenna Nwoye, targeted ten women from each of the six communities in Dunukofia, giving them a total of N20,000 to sustain and expand their businesses selling indigenous food condiments and native delicacies.
“This is a Women Support Programme … to provide financial assistance of N20,000 each to 10 women in each of the six towns of Dunukofia, making a total of 60 beneficiaries,” Chief Nwoye said. “Our local foods are healthier, tastier and even cheaper. Most of the illnesses people experience today come from eating unhealthy junk, which they sometimes think is modern, without knowing that it destroys organs and makes immunity weaker.”
The beneficiaries, who are mostly rural market traders, expressed gratitude for the support and welcomed the call to promote Igbo condiments, noting that increased patronage would boost their livelihoods. Many of the women produce and sell traditional seasonings such as:
- Okpeyi
- Ogiri
- Ukpaka
- Locally dried pepper
Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s statement reflects broader concerns in Nigeria’s South‑East, where rising rates of diet‑related diseases have been linked to the growing consumption of fast food and processed snacks. By championing indigenous ingredients, the organisation aims to preserve cultural heritage while encouraging healthier eating habits for future generations.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
