[Nigeria] Nestlé partners DAME, NUJ to promote nutrition reporting
Nestlé Nigeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) Trust Fund to institute a ‘Nestlé Prize for Nutrition Reporting.’
The aim of this partnership endorsed by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) is to empower media professionals in the area of nutrition and health reporting. It will also recognize, reward and celebrate excellence among nutrition and health writers.
The DAME is the only awards scheme in Nigeria that covers the media disciplines of Journalism, Broadcasting and Advertising. Founded upon the ideals that the media is the watchdog of the society, as well as the fourth estate of the realm, DAME exists to celebrate and reward superior performance in the fulfilment of such pivotal roles.
The sponsorship of a Nestlé Prize for Nutrition Reporting in DAME is another step in Nestlé Nigeria’s continuous collaboration with stakeholders and partners to provide adequate research based information to help people make healthier food choices. Nestlé recognizes the key role the media has to play in achieving this objective.
Nigeria currently grapples with the challenges associated with the triple burden of nutrition; under-nutrition, over-nutrition and micronutrient deficiency. Nestlé believes that promoting healthy nutrition habits as well as improving access to nutritious food will have a positive impact on Nigeria’s health profile.
Speaking on the importance of the partnership at the signing ceremony, Nestlé Nigeria’s Managing Director, Mr. Mauricio Alarcon said, “We strongly believe that when provided with adequate information and training, the media plays a key role in raising awareness of key nutrition, health and wellness issues among stakeholders and the public. Armed with fact-based information, individuals and families are empowered to make healthier nutrition choices.”