Nestle Nigeria and Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre (LBSSC) have drawn the curtain on this year’s Nestlé Sustainability training, themed ‘Nestlé Advancing Nutrition, Health and Environmental Awareness Through the Media’, with in-person session held from July 26, 2023, to July 28, 2023.

The three-week programme for journalists and media practitioners working on the thematic areas of nutrition, health, and environment was an exposition on data analysis, sustainability trends and solution journalism. It equipped media professionals with an understanding of the relationship between the environment and food systems.

The programmed at enhancing the media practitioners with the 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, Lagos Business School, Prof. Chris Ogbechie represented by Director, Alumni Relations and Advancement, Lagos Business School, Henry Andoh, commended Nestlé for its dedication to promoting nutrition, health, and environmental awareness in Nigeria. In his remarks.

He said, “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. I want to express my appreciation to the faculty, speakers, and facilitators who have generously shared their expertise and experiences with participants throughout this programme. These contributions have been invaluable in enriching the learning experience”.

He enjoined the media professionals to engage in ethical and fact-based reporting.

On her part, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka, said: “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”

She added: “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 informed the participants that Nestlé Nigeria will continue to maintain respect for the media and the communities the organisation works in, and most importantly, continuously engage with stakeholders and the media for better outcomes.”

This year’s training was even 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. Participants engaged in group presentations with awards given to the most active and most punctual in both streams.