Nestle Nigeria and Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre (LBSSC) have successfully conducted the 2023 Edition of the specialised programme series for Journalists and media professionals tagged ‘Nestlé Advancing Nutrition, Health and Environmental Awareness through the Media’.
Since its inception in 2019, the initiative has reportedly equipped over 200 journalists to carry out fact-based reportage and build solid content on food and nutrition, agriculture, health, wellness, the environment, climate change, and corporate sustainability practices.
This year, 2023, the training commenced with an intense zoom meeting and seesion, which ran for three weeks and climaxed with a three day in – person training at the Lagos Business School, Lekki , Lagos from June 26 to July 28 2023.
The ‘Nestlé Advancing Nutrition, Health and Environmental Awareness through the Media’ was delivered via a mix of virtual and in-person sessions.
The training comprised sessions on food and nutrition as it relates to sustainability issues, environmental pollution, data analysis and solutions journalism amongst others.
The journalists were equipped to effectively communicate and educate the Nigerian populace on global best practices and lifestyle choices that impact everyday living even as they attested to improved ability to recognise the connection and interdependence between nutrition and health, sustainability and climate change in the Nigerian context and the extensive impact they have on individuals, communities and the economy.
Manager of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Nestle Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka has this to say, “At Nestlé, we understand the importance of the right information in making nutrition and lifestyle choices that not only ensure a healthier life, but also a sustainable environment where we can all thrive. We are also aware of the role of the media in getting information to those who need it most and are convinced that given the right opportunities and tools, the media can exponentially influence the habits and behaviour of individuals to imbibe habits that are good for people and good for the planet.”
She futher noted “We are therefore delighted to collaborate with the LBS Sustainability Centre to upskill the media in nutrition, health, wellness and environment knowledge over the past 5 years. This year, our focus is on reaching journalists across all media platforms who have not had the opportunity to participate in past trainings. We trust that the training will improve the impact of reportage across more platforms and audiences to drive the desired behavioural adjustments at scale.”
Head, Sustainability, Lagos Business School, Mrs Orevaoghene Atanya, on her part, tressed that “the programme curriculum, anchored on Solutions Journalism was delivered by facilitators from academia, industry and journalism.
The sessions also covered key journalism skill gaps like research, data-based reporting, writing, data analytics, and presentation.
The media professionals were really exposed to the know-how and expertise to develop compelling stories, editorials, news video features, documentaries, and podcasts to help promote far-reaching awareness of the issues around nutrition, wellness, environmental conservation, climate change and corporate sustainability.
Facilitators included Chido Nwakanma, Emevwo Biakolo, etc
