… recognized for Fortifying Boullion Cubes to Combat Malnutrition in Nigeria.
Director and Head of Nutrition, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare,
Source: Time Magazine
Nigeria’s commitment to tackling malnutrition has earned international acclaim as Mrs. Kuluwa Bako-Aiyegbusi (mni), the Director and Head of the Nutrition Department at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is named among TIME100 Health 2025 Most Influential People globally – leading the way—advancing care, shaping policy, driving innovation, and transforming lives. The prestigious list, published annually by TIME Magazine, celebrates changemakers driving the future of health across the globe.
Aiyegbusi is honoured for her visionary leadership in pioneering the fortification of bouillon cubes—a staple in Nigerian households—with essential micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, zinc, vitamin B12, and others. This approach is helping to bridge critical nutritional gaps, particularly for vulnerable families who may not consistently access protein-rich foods or fresh vegetables.
In Nigeria, malnutrition is a contributing factor in nearly 45% of child deaths under age five, according to UNICEF. Conventional nutrition programs often struggle to meet the needs of underserved populations. Recognizing this, Aiyegbusi designed a novel solution—fortify what people already consume.
By collaborating with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and private sector food manufacturers, the nutrition department under her guidance has scaled up production and distribution of fortified bouillon cubes, ensuring critical nutrients reach even the most food-insecure households.
CS-SUNN is immensely proud to celebrate Mrs. Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi on this well-deserved global recognition. Her dedication to advancing sustainable nutrition interventions aligns perfectly with our vision of a well-nourished Nigeria. This honour inspires our continued commitment to multi-sectoral collaboration, nutrition advocacy, and community awareness around food fortification and ensuring that it remains a priority across all levels of governance.
The TIME100 Health list honours professionals shaping the future of health through research, innovation, policy, and frontline service. Selections are made through editorial vetting and nominations from public health and global development experts.
Please read the announcement on Aiyegbusi’s feat on Times Magazine here: https://time.com/collections/time100-health-2025/7279663/ladidi-kuluwa-bako-aiyegbusi/
