• Wed. Oct 4th, 2023

    Nestlé Empowers Children For Healthier Tomorrow

    ByHybrid Communications

    Jul 25, 2023

    (L-R) Chiamaka Akanno, Senior Nutritionist, Federal Ministry of Health; Sarah Danladi, Head of Sports and Health, LEA Gwagwalada, FCT Universal Basic Education Board; Major Edith Nwachinemerem (Rtd), Chairman, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, FCT Chapter; Edidiong Peters, Public Affairs Specialist, Nestlé Nigeria PLC; Mrs. Josephine Nwabiora, Deputy Director, Basic Education, Federal Ministry of Education; Dr Florence Uchendu, Associate Professor, Department of Public Health, National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja

    Nestlé Nigeria is actively contributing to fostering good nutrition habits in children, paving the way for a healthier future through their impactful program, Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK). As part of this initiative, 60 children from 30 N4HK schools participated in the Nutrition Quiz Competition, strategically designed to reinforce the healthy lifestyle habits they learned in their classrooms.

    The Nutrition Quiz Competition, now in its fourth season, is organized in collaboration with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria. It serves as an assessment of the children’s knowledge on topics like healthy nutrition, proper hydration, and the importance of an active lifestyle. Additionally, the competition enhances the recall and retention of lessons taught in class, promoting a more comprehensive understanding of healthy habits under the Nestlé for Healthier Kids program.

    In Ogun State, twenty schools from the three senatorial districts vied for the first prize. The victors emerged as Sokoya Memorial Wesley School Sagamu, showcasing their excellent grasp of healthy practices. Meanwhile, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), ten schools from six area councils competed, and UBE Primary School Pasali, Abuja secured the first prize, demonstrating their commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

    Winners and finalists of the N4HK quiz competition.

    To recognize and reward the efforts of the winning schools and teams, exciting prizes were presented. The winners received sports gears, facilitating their passion for physical activity, along with computers and sporting equipment, benefiting their schools as a whole.

    Through the Nutrition Quiz Competition and Nestlé for Healthier Kids initiative, Nestlé Nigeria is actively shaping a brighter and healthier future for children, empowering them with the knowledge and tools necessary for a lifetime of wellness.

    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.”

    The Chairman, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, Major Edith Nwachinemerem (Rtd), also hailed 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 victors of the schools’ competition, along with their educators, overflowed with joy. Among them, Khadijat Ibrahim stood proudly as the representative of Sokoya Memorial Wesley School in Sagamu, competing in the Ogun State finals. A bright young pupil in primary five, she showcased her talent and skills, contributing to her school’s triumphant success.

    “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.”

    Ganiyat Odulele, Khadijat’s teacher, accomplished her ambitious goal by winning the first prize.

    “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) represents a prominent worldwide initiative with the mission of assisting 50 million children across the globe in leading healthier lives by 2030.

    The company remains dedicated to harnessing the potential of food to improve the quality of life for present and future generations.

    In Nigeria, N4HK operates a school-based program that aligns with Nestlé’s commitment to promoting healthy nutrition and an active lifestyle. Annually, the program reaches over 8,000 children in primary five from beneficiary public schools, raising awareness about the advantages of adopting wholesome eating habits and staying physically active.

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