Nestle Nigeria partners DAME, NUJ on Nutrition Reporting
News & Trends •
by vivian ihechu3 it manufactures and markets a range of high quality brands including nestle pure life golden morn maggi cerelac and nescafe1 the news agency of nigeria nan reports that the aim of the partnership endorsed by the nigeria union of journalists. nuj is to empower media professionals in the area of nutrition and health reporting1 it will also recognise reward and celebrate excellence among nutrition and health writers1 the dame is the only award scheme in nigeria that covers the media disciplines of journalism broadcasting and advertising1 founded upon the ideals that the media is the watchdog of the society as well as the fourth estate of the realm dame exists to celebrate and reward superior performance in the fulfilment of such pivotal roles1 the sponsorship of a nestl prize for nutrition reporting in dame is another step in nestl nigerias continuous collaboration with stakeholders and partners to provide adequate research-based information to help people make healthier food choices1 nestl recognises the key role the media has to play in achieving this objective1 signing the mou at its headquarter in lagos the company explained that it had instituted the prize in collaboration with dame to empower media professionals in nutrition and health reporting1 the companys managing director mr mauricio alarcon said that it was important to create sustained awareness to improve health indices in the face of the current challenges associated with the triple burden of nutrition undernutrition over-nutrition and micro-nutrient deficiency in nigeria1 alarcon said that that the company was committed to promoting healthy nutrition habits1 nestle believes that promoting healthy nutrition habits as well as improving access to nutritious food will have a positive impact on nigerias health profile1 we strongly believe that when provided with adequate information and training the media plays a key role in raising awareness of key nutrition health and wellness issues among stakeholders and the public1 nestl nigeria on thursday signed a memorandum of understanding mou with diamond awards for media excellence dame trust fund to institute a nestl prize for nutrition reporting1 we are confident that this partnership will provide a good platform to equip journalists with training and capacity building opportunities to help them perform at optimal capacity alarcon said1 the trustee of dame mr lanre idowu said we are very happy to havenestle prize for nutrition reporting on the list of categories for the 27th edition of the prestigious media wards1 this will encourage and give the much needed attention and recognition to exceptional nutrition writers and stimulate interest in nutrition writing idowu said1 the chairman nuj lagos state council dr qasim akinreti commended nestl nigeria for sponsoring the nutrition category to fill the gap in that area1 we appreciate nestl nigeria for this collaboration ina nestle prize for nutrition reporting1 this award will not only motivate our members but willalso help us to work toward achieving the sustainable development goals which includes health he said1 also mrs victoria uwadoka corporate communications and public affairs ccpa manager of nestle said that the company was committed to enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future by working with partners to empower individuals to make healthier food choices1 according to her the nestle prize for nutrition would help to achieve the commitment by training and building the capacity of media practitioners in the field1 contributing mrs chioma emma-nwachukwu manager nestle nutrition institute africa said the prize was being put in place not only to promote excellence in nutrition reporting but also improve nutrition knowledge attitude and practices among nigerians1 the mou signing was witnessed by the members of executive of the nigeria union of journalists nuj and trustee of dame1 nestle nigeria plc begam simple trading operations in nigeria in 1961 and has today grown into a leading food manufacturing and marketing company1 it is the biggest food company in west africa employing about 2200 people and has three world-class factories1 armed with fact-based information individuals and families are empowered to make healthier nutrition choices1