Writing By Daniel Karlmax, Editing By Godwin Duru
Media practitioners from across Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, have converged on Abuja for a two-day capacity-building training on nutrition and food systems reporting.
The training organized by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) in partnership with Nigeria Health Watch, is aimed at strengthening the capacity of media professionals in nutrition-focused advocacy and reporting.
In his opening remarks, Senior Associate, Communication GAIN, Mr. Victor Ekeleme, emphasized the importance of nutrition as a critical sector in Nigerian society.
He highlighted the role of media in driving change through storytelling that promotes awareness and advocacy.
“Collaboration with the media provides a platform to amplify stories that can have far-reaching impacts on issues relating to diets and nutrition,” Mr. Ekeleme said.
He encouraged participants to embrace data-driven journalism, noting that GAIN leverages data to tell impactful stories and expects the media to adopt the same approach in their reportage.
“This training workshop is expected to inspire fresh motivation among media practitioners, enabling them to tell stories that inform, engage, and inspire action from relevant authorities,” he added.
Mr. Ekeleme also expressed hope that at the end of the training, participants would leave with sharpened skills and stronger networks to effectively drive critical narratives around nutrition in Nigeria.
Delivering a presentation on “Basic Nutrition Terms and Principles,” Dr. Olapeju Phorbee, an independent nutrition consultant, emphasized the need to view nutrition as a lifestyle.
She stressed the importance of diet adequacy, both in quality and quantity, urging the public to consume foods rich in both macro and micronutrients.
Dr. Phorbee underscored the media’s vital role in advocacy, sensitization, and public enlightenment on nutrition and food systems.
“If the media lacks knowledge of nutrition-related issues, it could mislead the public, which can have dire consequences,” she warned.
She commended GAIN and Nigeria Health Watch for organizing the timely event, noting its potential to drive knowledge and behavioral change in society.
She called on media professionals to be culturally and religiously sensitive in their nutrition reportage, in consideration of Nigeria’s diversity.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Summit Karn, Health and Nutrition Manager at UNICEF, lamented the rising cases of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in Nigeria.
He identified low government investment in agriculture, climate change, and security as major contributing factors.
Mr. Karn advocated for the development and implementation of more nutrition-sensitive programs and policies, stressing their importance in combating the growing malnutrition crisis in the country.
The theme of the media training is Strengthening the Capacity of Media Professionals for Nutrition and Food Systems Reporting and Advocacy.
Daniel Karlmax
