Bridging the Knowledge Gap: How Education Can Reverse Nigeria’s Obesity Crisis

By Rebecca Ejifoma

As Nigeria grapples with rising rates of obesity and related chronic illnesses, one expert argues that the solution may lie not in expensive medical interventions but in something far more fundamental: education. Tomiwa Ayetigbo, a respected sociologist and public health advocate, is at the forefront of efforts to address the country’s obesity crisis by tackling a silent but potent barrier: a lack of accurate information.

“People are not necessarily making poor choices because they want to,” Ayetigbo explains. “In many cases, they simply don’t know better. They’re misinformed about nutrition, unaware of the importance of regular physical activity, or don’t understand the long-term risks of obesity.”

Indeed, obesity in Nigeria is no longer a problem limited to affluent communities. Underserved neighborhoods, including rural and urban alike, are seeing rising incidences of diet-related diseases fueled by reliance on affordable, calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods. Ayetigbo points out that low socioeconomic status often correlates with limited access to education, healthcare, and nutritious food, leading to dangerous lifestyle patterns that persist across generations.

In his public advocacy work, Ayetigbo has pushed for robust government-led information campaigns that are culturally appropriate and community-driven. “We need materials in local languages,” he says. “We need outreach in schools, churches, mosques, marketplaces; places where people already gather and feel comfortable. And we need to deliver these messages in ways that resonate with real-life experiences.”

Ayetigbo believes that strategic use of media, including radio, television, and social platforms, can dramatically amplify the reach of obesity prevention education. He also calls for educational institutions and healthcare providers to be equipped with the tools to not only treat obesity but prevent it through sustained community engagement.

Correcting widespread misconceptions is another pillar of his approach. “People often think exercise is only for weight loss or that local foods are always healthy regardless of how they’re prepared. These misunderstandings need to be addressed through clear, evidence-based messaging,” he says.

When asked what steps the government should prioritize, Ayetigbo emphasizes partnership and accessibility. “The state should fund and support local NGOs, nutritionists, and teachers to lead grassroots campaigns,” he explains. “And all public messaging should be made freely available to the communities most at risk.”

His call to action is clear: Obesity is not just a personal issue, it’s a societal one. And with the right information in the hands of everyday Nigerians, it is a crisis that can be reversed.