By Ikenna Nwokedi 

The Centre for Arts, Culture and Humanities, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka on Tuesday, 7th October, 2025 held a one-day symposium at the University Auditorium.

The symposium with the title: "Going back to our roots - Back to indigenous foods", had stakeholders in the health sector discussing the importance of indigenous foods in promoting healthy living.

Declaring the event open, UNIZIK Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi described indigenous foods as an integral part of the culture and heritage of many communities around the world.

Prof. Arinze-Umobi who was represented by the Director of CEP, Prof. Greg Obiamalu stated that indigenous foods often reflect traditional practices, local ingredients, and unique flavors. The acting VC commended the Centre for the topical issue of discussion as it is important to the health and well being of the society.

In his opening remarks, the Director, Centre for Arts, Culture and Humanities, Prof. Ifeyinwa Emejulu stated that the one-day symposium is to discover the essence of indigenous foods, their significance and importance of preserving these foods.

Prof. Emejulu affirmed that the essence of indigenous foods lies in their cultural, nutritional and environmental significance. The scholar called for collaboration in order to celebrate, preserve and promote indigenous foods for generations to come.

In his keynote address, the Chief Guest of Honour and Anambra State Honourable Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, Creative Economy and Tourism, Hon. Don Onyenji described the one-day symposium as laudable with the topic important to contemporary society.

Hon. Onyenji disclosed that there is prevalence of diseases across the globe and there is a need for discussion on the well being of man through eating indigenous foods.

Hon. Onyenji stated that consumption of organic food should be highly encouraged by all stakeholders in the health sector and the society at large. He eulogized the Centre for organizing the symposium while also commending the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi for providing an enabling environment for academics to thrive.

Dr. Kamsochukwu Ego Obi in her lecture titled, "Back to Indigenous Foods", harped on the importance of consuming indigenous foods owing to its medicinal values.

The Public Health Officer emphasized that the older generation enjoyed longevity and healthy living owing to consumption of organic foods as against processed foods in the present society. The scholar informed that time has come for Nigerians to go back to their roots by eating right and observing healthy living tips.

On her part, Dr. Justina Okoli, a scholar in the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, UNIZIK delivered a lecture on the topic, 'Indigenous foods for nutrition, health and dietetics.

Dr. Okoli defined Indigenous foods as traditional ingredients and dishes from a region's native plants and animals, reflecting a deep connection to the land and cultural heritage. The scholar enumerated the characteristics of indigenous foods such as cultural heritage, sustainability, nutritional value and connection to land.

The scholar disclosed that the challenges for indigenous foods in Nigeria include poor policy implementation, climate change, inadequate infrastructure and a societal under valuation of these nutritious foods. 

Dr. Okoli affirmed that these dangers hinder the sustainability and commercialization of indigenous foods thereby contributing to food insecurity and erosion of cultural knowledge.

The one-day symposium also featured an interactive session among the participants while the Deputy Director of the Centre, Dr. Haroldson Uwaezuoke gave a vote of thanks in appreciation to the attendees at the event.