By Abdullahi Jalalludeen
The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) has called on journalists in Nigeria to take an active role in promoting better nutrition and healthier food systems across the country.
Country Director of GAIN Nigeria, Dr. Michael Ojo, made the call at the opening of a two-day media training on nutrition and data-driven storytelling held in Abuja. He was represented by the organisation’s Senior Associate for Communications, Mr. Victor Ekeleme.
Dr. Ojo emphasized the critical influence of the media in shaping public perception and behavior, noting that journalists are key partners in spreading accurate and impactful messages on food and nutrition.
“You, the media, play a very important role in shaping how people think. Through the stories you publish, you influence conversations and affect how people act or talk about food and nutrition,” he said.
He described the workshop as more than a routine training, saying it aimed to enhance journalists’ storytelling abilities and empower them to raise awareness on nutrition-related issues.
“This is about strengthening your skill sets and empowering you, the storytellers, to help drive healthy food systems in Nigeria,” he said, urging participants to embrace data-driven storytelling for greater impact.
Dr. Ojo expressed optimism that the training would improve the participants’ skills, expand their networks, and inspire them to produce stories that promote healthier diets and lifestyles.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Olapeju Phorbe, an independent consultant in the food systems sector, delivered a presentation on the principles of nutrition, encouraging Nigerians to diversify their diets using local food resources.
She defined food as a substance that provides energy and nutrients necessary for growth, health, and survival, and stressed the need to prioritize safe, healthy, and nutritious meals in every household.
“Nigerians should diversify their food. We have more than enough to live healthy lives if only we know. Nigeria is diverse in food, and people should take advantage of that diversity,” she said.
Dr. Phorbe warned against distributing expired or unsafe food items as palliatives, describing such acts as dangerous and inhumane, especially to vulnerable populations with limited choices.
She called on journalists to intensify reporting on food safety and nutrition, and urged authorities to ensure that food aid distributed in the country is safe, nutritious, and fit for consumption.
The training brought together journalists from various states across Nigeria, aimed at fostering greater collaboration between the media and nutrition advocates.
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