Nigerian Professor Calls for Safer Plant-Based Food Systems

Professor Olabimpe Ojo is sounding an alarm that could protect millions of Nigerians from hidden dangers in their daily meals.

The food and medicinal chemistry expert at Bamidele Olumilua University recently delivered groundbreaking research showing that while plant-based foods offer incredible health benefits, contamination with toxic metals like cadmium is undermining their potential. Her findings revealed that common staples including rice and wheat contain contamination levels exceeding safety thresholds.

Ojo presented her research during the university's sixth inaugural lecture, titled "Phytochemical Profiling and Nutrients Analysis of Plant-Based Foods: Unlocking Nature's Bioactive Treasures." The work highlights both the promise and the peril of Nigeria's food systems.

Plant-based foods remain nutritional powerhouses, packed with vitamins, minerals, and compounds that fight inflammation and chronic diseases. Scientific evidence links these foods to lower risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, making them essential for achieving global health goals.

But the professor's research uncovered a troubling gap: improper processing and storage practices are allowing dangerous metals to contaminate the very foods that should be keeping people healthy. This contamination represents a major contributor to health challenges across Nigeria.

The Ripple Effect

Ojo's recommendations could transform public health if implemented. She's calling on government authorities at local, state, and federal levels to monitor toxic metals in both processed and unprocessed foods. Her proposal includes public awareness campaigns to educate communities about contamination risks.

The impact extends beyond individual health to food security and system resilience. Proper handling of fruits, vegetables, grains, and medicinal plants could protect entire communities while maintaining the nutritional benefits these foods provide.

University Vice Chancellor Professor Babatunde Omojola emphasized that inaugural lectures serve to inform policy. He noted that if stakeholders implement Ojo's recommendations, the improvements to population health could be significant.

The professor's challenge to Nigeria is clear: translate this scientific knowledge into action by empowering communities, informing policies, and transforming food systems. With staple foods feeding millions daily, ensuring their safety isn't just good science but a pathway to a healthier, more sustainable future for West Africa's most populous nation.