The Country Director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Dr. Michael Ojo, has emphasized the vital role of the media in shaping public perception and promoting healthy food systems in Nigeria.
Dr Ojo made the remark at the opening of a two-day media training on Media Training on Nutrition and Food System Reporting organized by GAIN in Abuja.
Represented by the Senior Associate, Communications of GAIN Nigeria, Mr Victor Ekeleme, explained that GAIN is committed to improving the diets of people everywhere especially among vulnerable populations by ensuring access to nutritious food that supports healthy living.
“We know that, you the media, play a very important role in shaping how people think, through the stories you publish, you shape narratives, influence conversations, and even affect how people act or talk about food and nutrition.”
He described the workshop as more than a routine training session and it was designed to strengthen journalists’ storytelling skills and empower them to raise public awareness about nutrition and food systems.
“This is about strengthening your skill sets and empowering you the storytellers to help drive healthy food systems in Nigeria,”
“We want you, as our partners and collaborators, to help us push narratives that promote better nutrition and healthier lifestyles”
He expressed optimism that, by the end of the workshop, participants would gain improved skills, stronger professional networks, and renewed inspiration to produce stories that inform, engage, and inspire action toward building a healthier Nigeria.
Dr. Ojo expressed hope that the training would inspire participants to tell stories that drive meaningful change in Nigeria’s food systems.
In her presentation on Basic Nutrition Principles, Dr. Olapeju Phoebe provided definitions of key nutrition terms and concepts.
She described Food as any substance consumed for nourishment, providing energy, nutrients, and materials to sustain life, growth, and vital processes.
Dr Phoebe urged Nigerians to diversify their diets and make safe, healthy, and nutritious food a priority in every home.
Dr. Olapeju Phoebe who is also an independent consultant in the food system sector, emphasized that Nigeria is blessed with a wide variety of food that can sustain healthy living if people utilize them properly.
“Nigerians should diversify their food, we have more than enough to make us live healthy lives if only we know. Nigeria is diverse in food, and people should take advantage of that diversity,” she said.
Dr. Phoebe also stressed the importance of viewing food as medicine, noting that a proper diet is key to preventing diseases.
“Food is medicine. If people don’t take food as medicine, medicine will become their food”
“Safe, healthy, and nutritious food should be a priority in every home,” she stated.
He called on journalists to give more attention to issues of nutrition and health, recognizing the media’s influence in shaping public behavior.
“The media should talk more about nutrition and health in the food system, People believe the media, so journalists should be more deliberate and intentional about spreading nutrition messages,”
She stressed the need for nutrition messages to reach all levels of governance such as federal, state, and local governments as well as development partners and consumers to ensure wider impact.
Speaking on the issue of food safety, Dr. Phoebe described expired food items as unsafe food items as palliatives to vulnerable Nigerians.
She described the act as dangerous and inhumane, warning that consuming unsafe food poses serious health risks.
“Those distributing expired or unsafe food should stop immediately. Vulnerable families often don’t have a choice; they are hungry and will eat whatever is given to them,”
“It’s better to go hungry than to eat unsafe food. People who share such items should be held responsible, because the poor do not have the power to choose,” she emphasized.
Dr Olapeju called for stronger food safety measures and urged authorities to ensure that food aid distributed to citizens is safe, nutritious, and fit for consumption.
Dr Phoebe told the participants that, no single food provides all the nutrients needed to stay alive and healthy.
Adding that, No two foods are exactly the same in their nutrient composition.
The engagement brought together journalist from various states of the federation.
AMINU DALHATU