Chioma Emma
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), approximately 463 million adults (20-79 years) are currently living with diabetes worldwide in 2019.
This number is projected to rise to 700 million by 2045 if current trends continue. It also showed how diabetes prevalence varies significantly by region. In 2023, the regions with the highest prevalence rates were: North America and the Caribbean 12.6%,Western Pacific 10.2%,Europe 9.3%,middle East and North Africa 9.2%,South and Central America 8.4%,Southeast Asia 8.1%,and Africa 4.7%.
Africa, despite having a lower prevalence compared to other regions, still faces significant challenges in managing diabetes due to limited healthcare resources and awareness.
In a groundbreaking development in the realm of health and agriculture, Victor Adara, a local farmer and innovator from Ekiti State, residing in the Federal Capital Territory, has unveiled a product to revolutionize the lives of individuals grappling with diabetes. His innovation offers a natural and sustainable approach to stabilizing blood sugar levels, promising a glimmer of hope for millions worldwide.
Adara the inventor ODARA food Abuja,Nigeria
Adara was born in Ekoro Ekiti, fifteen miles from Ayetoro his home town in Ekiti State, Nigeria. He began his formal education at Apostolic church primary school Ikaro Ekiti and later on to Apostolic Model secondary school. After his secondary education, he proceeded for a degree at university of Ife where he studied Agriculture and later proceeded for a masters in theology in Manchester Califonia. He has been a missionary for over thirty years having visited more than 100 rural communities where he gave out his food product to about 5000 mal-nourished children within these communities.
The Food Product.
Before taking the initiative to formulate the food product, Adara had noticed his mother’s health was deteriorating owing to diabetes after she was diagnosed. Noticing he had same problem,Adara wasted no time in deciding what he would do.
“I saw the impact of diabetes on my own mother,myself, and those in my community ” Adara recalls. “It drove me to think about sustainable solutions that utilize our local resources.”
He understood that maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for managing blood sugar levels and preventing complications. At that point, his experience as a local farmer and agriculturist was brought to bare by incorporating specific foods known for their medicinal properties, such as certain spices, and whole grains, which supported diabetes management by providing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds having researched their unique abilities to lower and stabilize blood sugar. He utilized his farm in the Kuje area of the Federal Capital Territory by ensuring that the grains and spices were organically grown.This unique approach ensures a sustainable solution without the use of chemical fertilizers.
Impact.
Dealing with diabetes can be very challenging following medical recommendation of medications available for its treatment. Diabetes can lead to a range of complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, blindness, and lower limb amputations.It is a leading cause of death worldwide, with an estimated 4.2 million deaths attributed to diabetes-related complications.
Adara’s product has shown promise beyond diabetes management, particularly in addressing malnutrition. He gives an insight into how it tackles this pressing issue, especially among malnourished children stressing that malnutrition is prevalent in underrepresented communities. By bridging nutritional gaps, he said his innovation aims to foster healthier future generations.
“The response has been overwhelming, with tangible transformations seen in individuals like my centenarian mother, an eighty-year-old woman, a security personnel, myself and some members of my community who are living testimonies of the impact of the food. They’ve all experienced significant improvements in managing their diabetes. Moreover, feeding 5000 children in rural and IDP camps have also yielded visible health improvements, showcasing its potential to combat malnutrition,” Adara stated.
Being a missionary, Adara has distributed his food product for free during medical missions in remote communities and in different households especially to those who showed symptoms of the disease.He also created awareness by sensitizing the community members on the danger of living with the disease,and the devastating effect it has on their health .
Beneficiaries speaks
Joseph Makama is a security guard who lives in Adara’s neighborhood who was diagnosed with the disease two years back and haven’t been able to manage it properly.
“I’ve struggled with managing my diabetes for years, but ever since I started taking Adara’s food product I’ve seen a remarkable improvement in my blood sugar levels. My doctor was amazed at the drop in my readings during my last check-up. Thank you, Victor, for creating something that’s truly making a difference in my life!”
James Ngugi has lived with disease and has tried numerous products to help manage his condition, but nothing has worked as effectively as Adara’s food product. After just a few weeks of incorporating it into his diet, his blood sugar levels have stabilized, and he says he feel more energetic and healthy. The story is surpisingly same for Adara’s centenarian mother, an eighty-year-old woman and Adara. This grand story about the efficacy of the product was true for Adara who is seventy five years and for many others living within his community.
Endorsement
Adara’s work has not gone unnoticed. ODARA food has received several endorsement for his innovative ability from well meaning agencies. However, he remains focused on the goal that set him on this path: making a difference in the lives of African families.Notable endorsements have come from institutions like the National Planning Commission, National Seed Council, Institute of Agricultural Research Ibadan, and the National Agency for Food Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Their support underscores the credibility and potential impact of his innovation.
Future plans for the invention
“I aim to collaborate with nutritionists, scientists, and stakeholders to develop syrups and capsules from the food. My long-term goal is to eliminate preservatives and chemicals while extending its shelf life, ensuring broader accessibility and impact,’’ Adara said.
He said as his invention spreads, its potential to offer scalable, affordable solutions to global health challenges like diabetes is immense. By harnessing the power of locally sourced ingredients and community-driven innovation, we can pave the way for a healthier future.
Adara’s remarkable journey exemplifies the transformative power of community-driven innovation in addressing pressing health challenges. His invention not only offers hope to individuals battling diabetes but also shines a light on the untapped potential of traditional knowledge and scientific research in creating sustainable solutions for the future.
