The 2023 Nestlé Sustainability training tagged ‘Nestlé Advancing Nutrition, Health and Environmental Awareness Through the Media’  which is usually delivered annually by the Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre (LBSSC) has climaxed to a close with an in-person session.

The session which kicked off on July 26th 2023, rounded off on July 28th 2023.

The three-week intensive programme for journalists and media practitioners focused on the thematic areas of nutrition, health, and environment as well as an exposition on data analysis, sustainability trends and solution journalism amongst others.

The media professionals were equipped with a profound understanding of the relationship between the environment and food systems which is needed to enhance their ability to communicate to the Nigerian populace on best practices, lifestyle choices, and policy direction that fosters sustainability of food systems, lives, and communities.

The Dean of Lagos Business School, Professor Chris Ogbechie who was represented by the Director, Alumni Relations and Advancement, LBS Henry Andoh, commended Nestlé for their unwavering dedication to promoting nutrition, health, and environmental awareness in Nigeria.

His words, “Nestlé’s commitment to empowering journalists with accurate information and valuable reporting skills is commendable, and we are honoured to be part of this partnership to foster a healthier and more sustainable future for all Nigerians.”

He appreciated the faculty, speakers, and facilitators for sharing their expertise and experiences with participants throughout the programme.

In his remarks, he described their contributions as being invaluable in enriching the learning experience.

The Dean however urged the media professionals to engage in ethical and fact-based reportage and use the garnered knowledge and connections to elevate the standard of reporting on nutrition, health, and environmental issues in Nigeria.

He also advised them to strive to create a more informed and enlightened society that embraces sustainable practices, values, and well-being that champions the cause of a healthier planet.

He equally reiterated that “The media is crucial in bringing climate change issues to the public’s attention and influencing their attitudes and behaviours towards sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture practices, food systems, and conservation of our environment. This year, the training has built on the need to highlight the connection and interdependence between nutrition and health, sustainability and climate change, changing weather patterns and food systems in the Nigerian context and the significant impact the behaviours of individuals and the cultures of communities have on this dynamic.”

In the same vein, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka, while hailing the LBSSC for the excellent delivery of the programme, also appreciated the and media professionals for their participation.

Uwadoka,n her remarks, has this to say, “Our purpose is to unlock the power of food to enhance the quality of life for everyone today and for generations to come. We are committed to delivering affordable nutrition to our customers and their families, working together with stakeholders to build thriving communities and ensuring we have a planet that is sustainable for generations to come”

According to her, “At Nestle, we understand that there is more access to information which is available everywhere, but it must be factual, based on available data and in a format that is easily digestible. Our belief is that going forward, we will begin to see a difference in the way the trained journalists analyse data, report, and communicate to influence positive attitudinal change in families, communities and organisations.”

She however informed the participants that Nestlé Nigeria will continue to maintain respect for the media and the communities the media organisations represent to produce continuous better outcomes.

It is however pertinent to note that this year’s training was more robust as participants went on a field trip to Lekki Urban Forestry and Animal Shelter Initiative (LUFASI) Park, Sangotedo, Lagos, for an experiential

learning session.

The park is dedicated to the preservation of natural habitats in urban areas for use as a field laboratory to interact with and learn from nature.

The park is equally described as a sanctuary for flora and fauna, endangered aquatic life and avian species where participants saw first-hand the effect of climate change on natural ecosystems and engaged in fun activities such as game fishing.

The founder of Lekki Urban Forestry and Animal Shelter Initiative (LUFASI), Desmond Majekodunmi while speaking to the journalists appealed to Nigerians to plant more trees, stop pollution, protect forest and live a sustainable lifestyle.

At the media tour, Majekodunmi lamented the danger caused by the activities of humans which he said has degenerated to climate change.

The Nigerian Environmentalist noted that despite the alarm raised by scientists on the danger climate change poses, nothing has been done to avert the crisis, even as he lamented the reckless state of sand filling in Nigeria and its negative environmental Impact.

The participants were therefore engaged in group presentations with awards given to the most active and most punctual in both streams.