FCT Rotary Clubs, AEPB sensitize wuse market traders against chemical preservation of beans

By Blessing Okola, Abuja

The Rotary D9127 Clubs in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have partnered with the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) to sensitize traders and consumers at Wuse Market about the dangers of chemical preservation of beans.

Speaking during the sensitisation tagged "Say No to Chemical Preservation of Beans', Rotarian Rabi Mohammed, President of RC Abuja Urban and President of Presidents of Rotary Clubs in the FCT, representing the District Governor of D9127, Rotarian Mike Nwanoshiri, said the initiative aims to educate the public on safer food preservation practices and reduce health risks associated with chemical preservatives.

"Our initiative, part of Rotary's 2024-2025 projects, aims to educate the public about the dangers of chemical food preservation. We've found that chemicals used in preserving food can lead to serious health issues, including kidney and liver problems, and even cancer.

"As environment is one of Rotary's key areas of focus, we're collaborating with the Abuja Environmental Protection Board to raise awareness about the importance of safe food preservation practices. Our goal is to promote healthier alternatives and encourage individuals to be mindful of what they eat".

According to her, "We're exploring ways to reduce chemical use in food preservation and are considering advocating for a ban on harmful chemicals. The Abuja Environmental Protection Board will play a crucial role in enforcing regulations and sanctions. We're also providing alternative solutions, such as reusable bags, to help individuals transition to safer preservation methods."

She noted that Rotary in the federal capital Territory has taken steps to address this issue, emphasizing the need to stop the indiscriminate use of chemicals in agricultural produce preservation and storage.

She said, Rotary Clubs and AEPB are working together to promote healthy practices and provide alternative solutions. This partnership is part of a broader initiative to create a better environment, by raising awareness about the risks of chemical preservation and promoting safer alternatives.

Also, the Director of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, who was represented by the head of department, EHTS, AEPB. Kate Ogbonna said a collaborative effort is underway to educate the community on the importance of safe food preservation practices. 

She said, This aims to promote healthy practices and prevent unnecessary deaths by highlighting the risks associated with chemical preservatives.

According to her, chemical preservatives have been linked to serious health issues, including food poisoning, numbness, cancer, heart attacks and the rest of them. 

We encourage community members to work together to create a safer and healthier environment, by providing necessary information and promoting informed choices, the goal is to empower individuals to prioritize their health and well-being.

She informed that the Abuja Environmental Protection Board is a regulatory body established to protect and manage the FCT environment, and their role in this initiative aligns with their mandate to raise public awareness and promote sustainable environmental practices.

The project director of the Rotary Clubs in the FCT, Rotarian Oro-ghene Adia said Rotary Club and Abuja Environmental Protection Board have launched an initiative to educate the public about the dangers of chemical food preservation, particularly in markets like Wuse Market, a bustling commercial hub in Abuja's Central Business District. 

"This campaign aims to promote healthier alternatives and raise awareness about the risks associated with chemical preservatives".

He hinted, chemicals used in food preservation have been linked to serious health issues. Instead of using these chemicals, individuals can opt for safer methods, such as store food in airtight bags or containers to prevent contamination and reduce health risks, ensure food is stored in a dry, cool place to minimize the need for chemical preservatives and freeze food to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage.

He said over 40 Rotary Clubs in the FCT and Abuja Environmental Protection Board are working together to sensitize, empower consumers, buyers, and sellers with the knowledge to make informed choices about food preservation and prioritize their health and well-being.