Pastor Ernest Alao-Caesar, head of Evertrue Church and a family life educator, has appealed to parents, schools, and communities to prioritise children’s health by banning sugary and processed foods from schools.
Speaking at a health seminar, Alao-Caesar, who doubles as a family life educator, attributed the surge in preventable diseases to poor dietary habits and lifestyle choices.
“We are facing an epidemic of type 2 diabetes and kidney disease among our children. The excessive consumption of sugary drinks, processed foods like noodles, and unhealthy snacks is jeopardising their future,” he said.
The pastor identified high-sugar diets, sedentary lifestyles, and limited awareness among parents as key contributors to the crisis.
He warned that obesity, a risk factor for diabetes, is exacerbated by children spending more time on screens and less on physical activity. Easy access to sugary snacks and a lack of parental vigilance were also highlighted.
Alao-Caesar urged parents to lead by example, advocating balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while replacing sugary drinks with water or fresh juice. He called for reducing late-night eating and discouraging frequent consumption of instant noodles.
“Parents must lead by example. A healthy family lifestyle starts with the choices we make at home,” he added.
The pastor also pressed for stricter policies in schools, proposing a ban on sugary drinks, candies, and processed snacks in cafeterias, alongside restrictions on students bringing such items from home.
He emphasised integrating health and nutrition education into school curriculum to empower children with better dietary choices.
“Peer influence plays a significant role. Even if some parents encourage fruits at home, children might reject them when peers bring sugary drinks to school. Banning these items entirely ensures consistency and supports healthier habits,” Alao-Caesar said.
He called for collaboration between families and schools to foster a culture of healthy living, stressing, “Healthy children are the foundation of a healthy society. We must act now to protect their future.”
Health professionals and community leaders are raising alarms over rising cases of type 2 diabetes and kidney disease among children, prompting calls for immediate action.