As cancer cases continue to rise across Nigeria, a food scientist from Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Idara Emmanuel Okon, has issued a warning about the dangers of consuming unwholesome food and drinks. Speaking at the 2026 graduation ceremony for Batch ‘A’ students of IDYJAY Kitchen Culinary School in Uyo, she emphasized that poor dietary choices are linked to the increasing incidence of various cancers, including those affecting the head, lungs, and eyes. Mrs. Okon pointed out that many health challenges reported in hospitals can be traced back to daily consumption habits.
“I urge Nigerians and the general public to avoid eating food randomly, even when it comes to water,” she stated. “What you take in will either make or destroy you.” She explained that the rise in cancer cases is largely due to unhealthy dietary habits. Consuming unhealthy foods and drinks can lead to serious health issues, ultimately shortening one’s life.
As the Managing Director of IDYJAY Kitchen Culinary School, Mrs. Okon highlighted that maintaining a healthy diet is more cost-effective than treating illnesses later on. “Eating healthy food or drinking healthy beverages is not actually costly, but it becomes significantly more expensive to be hospitalized for various ailments,” she noted. By choosing nutritious options, individuals can save themselves from the financial burden of medical treatment.
Mrs. Okon further elaborated on the mission of her culinary school, which goes beyond training entrepreneurs. The school is dedicated to producing and serving safe, healthy food to society. “We train our students in various skills, including food safety, food hazards, food presentation, and food quality standards. This ensures that when they enter the labor market, they can independently provide healthy options for the community,” she explained.
She also emphasized the importance of practical skills in the culinary field, stating that certificates hold less value compared to the ability to perform tasks independently after graduation. “In this field, what you can do matters most. During job interviews, candidates are often assessed on their practical skills,” she said. Her comments come at a time when public health concerns are growing in Nigeria, with lifestyle-related diseases, including various forms of cancer, becoming increasingly prevalent. Health experts continue to advocate for improved food safety practices and heightened public awareness of the connection between diet and disease.
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