[NIGERIA] Nestlé Prepares Children for a Healthier Future

 

 Nestlé Nigeria is helping children learn good nutrition habits for a healthier future through the Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) program. 60 children across the 30 N4HK schools participated in the Nutrition Quiz Competition designed to help them imbibe the new lifestyle habits they learned in-class. Now in its fourth season, the Nutrition Quiz competition organized in collaboration with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, assesses the children’s knowledge on healthy nutrition, healthy hydration and an active lifestyle while enhancing recall and retention of in-class lessons under the Nestlé for Healthier Kids initiative. Twenty schools from the three senatorial districts competed for the first prize in Ogun State, with Sokoya Memorial Wesley School Sagamu, emerging the winner. UBE Primary School Pasali, Abuja took home the first prize among the ten schools from the six area councils who competed in the FCT. The winners were rewarded with exciting prizes including sports gears for the teams, computers and sporting equipment for their schools. Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, Mrs. Victoria Uwadoka said, “The Nutrition Quiz competition helps us to evaluate the impact of the lessons on the children, as it deepens their retention of the in-class lessons. As always, the performance of the children is impressive. I commend the educators who teach them the lessons and help them to retain the lessons through demonstrations and other fun exercises. I would also like to recognize the contributions of our program partners including the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Ministry of Health, FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) and, Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), for their continued commitment to raising a healthier generation. Major Edith Nwachinemerem (Rtd), Chairman, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, also commended the impact of N4HK, “The Nutrition Society of Nigeria appreciates the partnership with Nestlé Nigeria to address the need for nutrition education in early life. The Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) program helps to establish a good foundation for healthy eating habits and provides nutritional knowledge that a child can apply throughout life. I am delighted with the performance of the children through the various stages of the competition and applaud the winning schools for a job well done.” The contestants and teachers of the winning schools expressed their excitement. Khadijat Ibrahim represented Sokoya Memorial Wesley School Sagamu in the Ogun State finals. She is a primary five pupil. “I am so excited at winning the first position in this competition as I put a lot of effort into preparing for it. I want to thank God, my parents and teachers. I am so happy that I have made them proud. I really enjoyed the N4HK lessons, particularly on good nutrition and healthy lifestyles”. For Khadijat’s teacher, Ganiyat Odulele, winning the first prize was an ambition achieved. “After last year’s competition, I determined that children from my school, Sokoya Memorial, will come out tops this year. This win has made the months of preparation for the competition worth it. The N4HK program has not only been beneficial to the children but also to us the teachers. The annual teachers training has equipped us with relevant healthy lifestyle information that we also implement in our homes.” Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) is a global flagship initiative which aims to help 50 million children globally, lead healthier lives by 2030 as the company continues to make progress on its commitment to unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone today and for future generations. The school-based program in Nigeria supports the company’s commitment by raising awareness of the benefits of healthy nutrition and an active lifestyle. Over 8,000 primary five children in the beneficiary public schools are reached annually, through the Nestlé for Healthier Kids program. - End - More information on the quiz competition: (Here you can include all other information you may want to share with the journalists so they can take what they need) • Second place winners in Ogun State: Local Government Primary School, Igere • Third place winners in Ogun State: Oke Ona United Primary School, Abeokuta • Second place winners in the FCT: Jiwa Primary School, Abuja • Third place winners in the FCT: Science Primary School, Abaji, Abuja Program partners and VIPs: Quotes: “The annual quiz competition is a platform for evaluating the learners’ knowledge of the Nestlé for Healthier Kids program. We are very proud of all the learners who participated in this competition as they have shown great passion and knowledge through the different stages. I congratulate the winners for their hard work and applaud the teachers for their zeal and commitment to the program. Let me use this opportunity to acknowledge the program sponsor, Nestlé Nigeria, for her numerous and worthwhile programs and projects within our schools which is in line with the vision of the Prince Dapo Abiodun agenda geared towards Public Private Partnership. I commend the company’s effort in promoting educational development and consistent investment in the welfare and health of Ogun State children.” - By Chairman Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Femi Majekodunmi, represented by Mrs. Jokotade Agbatiogun, Director Social Mobilization, Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board.