The J&A Oben Foundation drills wives of soldiers on appropriate nutrition

The J&A Oben Foundation drills wives of soldiers on appropriate nutrition

The J&A Oben Foundation has drilled some wives of soldiers and some military men and women on appropriate nutrition to enhance the productivity of soldiers. This was on Friday, May 17 during an activity in prelude to the celebration of Cameroon’s National Day 2024. The event was held under the theme: “Food diversity for the military and the nation for a unified and prosperous Cameroon”. It brought together wives of soldiers and some military men and women to sensitize them on appropriate nutrition (based on local foods from the 10 regions of Cameroon) needed in line with military duties.

Speaking at the event, the Co-Founder and President of J&A Oben Foundation, Prof Julius Oben, said: “The J&A Oben Foundation has as its main objective to promote good health and wellbeing. We realized that one of the sectors that have been neglected when it comes to healthy nutrition is that of our military”. “The reason why we decided to pay special emphasis on sensitizing military personnel and their spouses, on the best ways to eat for a healthy and an increase work performance”, he added.

Speaking on the topic “healthy nutrition for the military”, Mrs. Crista Arrey, Head Nutritionist at the J&A Oben Foundation, said with the intensity of military activities, Military personnel should feed to gain muscles and be physically healthy. She advised them to increase their portion of carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables, and fruits. “You need to take a lot of calcium-rich foods to strengthen your skeletal health so that your bones can stay healthy,” she said. Expounding on the importance of the food pyramid, Mrs. Crista Arrey emphasized the necessity for military men and women to follow the concept while eating.     

The event also featured presentations on various topics such as “Importance of good hydration and detox drinks”, and "Cameroon local foods”, as well as an exhibition of food diversity in Cameroon”, among others.

The participants were elated to have been given the opportunity to learn about appropriate nutrition. One of them, Mrs. Ondoua Nadine, said she learned how to take care of a military man, and how to feed him to keep him strong for his work. “Military men need to be nourished with foods that provide energy, protect the body, and fight against diseases. I also learned that military men have to consume a lot of fruits, and drink a lot of water before and after meals,” she said. “The seminar was really good for me and as of today I will take better care of my soldier,” Mrs. Ondoua added.

The event also featured an exhibition of some Cameroonian cuisine, feasting, and merry-making.