Industry
Iron Deficiency now public health issue— Nestlé Nigeria
Nestlé Nigeria Plc says there is an urgent need to tackle iron deficiency as its incidence is high enough to be a public health issue in the country.
The Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, Mrs Victoria Uwadoka made the assertion at the concluding session of a three-week virtual training organised for Health, Nutrition, Environment and Business journalists.
The programme was organised by Nestlé Nigeria in partnership with Pan Atlantic University with the theme: “Advancing Nutrition, Health and Environmental Awareness through the Media.”
Uwadoka said that iron deficiency was a serious issue because iron helps to form haemoglobin and oxygenate blood cells.
Haemoglobin’s primary role is to transport oxygen from the lungs to body tissues to maintain basic life functions.
According to her, one needs blood to carry nutrients all around the body and being deficient in that results to poor absorption of food nutrients, lack of energy, anaemia and others.
As part of efforts to tackle iron deficiency in Nigeria and ensure good life for all, Uwadoka said that Nestlé Nigeria had concluded plans to unveil a new campaign tagged “Live Strong with Iron (LSWI).”
“The campaign is aimed at educating the public on the need to eat nutritious foods.
“The launch comes up on April 7, 2021, to commemorate this year’s World Food Day.
“We are going to call out the fact that iron deficiency is a public health issue; all stakeholders should be involved to tackle this.
“So, it is important that we frame the problem, call attention to the problem, and then remove that challenge of low awareness.
“Once we have done that, then we are able to call out the solution, which is the second thing that the campaign wants to do,’’ she said.
Uwadoka said that available statistics in their possession showed that 68 per cent of children under-five years were iron deficient and 37 per cent were stunted.
Also, 58 per cent of women within the age of 15 to 49 years were also iron deficient.
She said the objective of the campaign is to reach at least 50 per cent of Nigerians with increased knowledge in order to reduce the incidence of iron deficiency.
“At Nestlé, we are committed to enabling people to lead healthier, happier lives by continuously improving our products and providing affordable nutrition for everyone.
“Beyond delivering tasty and nutritious products to consumers, we work alongside stakeholders to build strong communities and supply chains while improving livelihoods in communities directly connected to our business activities.
“Our Creative Shared Value (CSV) focus areas in Nigeria include Nutrition Education, Building Thriving Communities, Youth Empowerment and Preservation of the Environment,” she said.
Akua Kwakwa, Nutrition, Health and Wellness Manager for Nestlé Central and West Africa
Contributing, the Nutrition, Health and Wellness Manager for Nestlé Central and West Africa, Akua Kwakwa, highlighted the importance of iron and the impact of iron deficiency.
“Oxygen is the fuel for our bodies. It is responsible for transporting the oxygen from our lungs to all our cells in the bodies to use as fuel.
‘So, if we don’t have enough iron, we are breathing all right, but we are not transporting enough oxygen to our cells for them to do their different functions to produce enzymes to give us energy for our brains work.
“Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency both globally and locally and the impact on a child’s growth and development is devastating,’’ she said.
“It’s usually irreversible. The impact on our productivity, on our life expectancy, especially at the time of childbirth is devastating.
“It also drives what we call hidden hunger, whereby we still continue to function and see things as normal but we have frequent headaches, weakness, fatigue, and the inability to concentrate.
“And when it gets to the extreme, it can even cause hair loss and dull skin. So, the impact of iron deficiency, cannot be underrated.”
The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has been honoured with the distinguished award for Engineering and Industrial Innovation at the 2nd edition of the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS).
The award which was presented by the Vice President of Nigeria, Sen. Kashim Shettima, GCON on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, underscores Mr. Halilu’s stellar performance and transformational leadership during his first year in office.
The presentation ceremony, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Saturday 6th July 2024 aimed at celebrating outstanding public servants who have made significant contributions to the nation’s development.
Mr Halilu’s recognition is a testament to his unwavering commitment to making NASENI a hub of technology transfer and innovation not only in Nigeria but across Africa.
Under Halilu’s leadership, NASENI has witnessed transformational reforms aimed at fostering technological advancements and industrial growth. His visionary approach has driven the agency to new heights, with key initiatives that have positioned NASENI as a leading hub for innovation and proving the manufacturing capabilities of Nigeria.
These efforts have included the development of cutting-edge technologies, the promotion of sustainable industrial practices, and the fostering of strategic partnerships with leading industry players to enhance Nigeria’s competitive edge in the global market.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Halilu expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and the entire NASENI team.
He emphasized that this recognition is a collective achievement, reflecting the hard work and dedication of everyone at NASENI.
“This award is a recognition of our commitment to advancing engineering and industrial innovation in Nigeria. It is a testament to the efforts of the entire NASENI team, and I am deeply honored to accept it on their behalf,” Mr. Halilu stated.
The award not only highlights Mr. Halilu’s contributions over the past year but also sets a benchmark for future endeavours aimed at driving technological and industrial innovation in Nigeria and beyond.
NASENI remains committed to its mission of fostering sustainable development through technological innovation, and this award is a strong validation of its ongoing efforts to make a lasting impact on the nation’s industrial landscape.
Also, other eminent Nigerians, who received the award were: General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, former and serving Governors, Ministers, Lawmakers, and Head of Government MDAs among others.
In the bustling kitchens of homes across Nigeria, something magical is happening. Amidst the sizzle of pans and the aroma of spices, families are coming together in a celebration of love, nourishment, and togetherness. Golden Terra Soya Oil’s “Pour Pure Love” campaign has captured the hearts and taste buds of consumers nationwide.
For AlhassanSule, an engineer, watching the ad repeatedly reminds him of a time long gone, yet still etched vividly in his memory. As he watches the scene unfold on screen—a mother stirring a pot of soup, the aroma filling the kitchen—he can’t help but be transported back to his own childhood home.
Suddenly, he was a young boy again, sitting at the kitchen table, watching his mother cook with the same love and care. He could almost taste the flavors of her cooking, and feel the warmth of her embrace as she served him a bowl of steaming hot soup.
But it wasn’t just the sights and smells that brought tears to his eyes; it was the flood of emotions that accompanied them—the love, the warmth, the sense of belonging. In that moment, he realised how much those simple meals had meant to him, how they had formed the foundation of his most treasured memories.
As the ad came to an end, he finds himself smiling through his tears, grateful for the reminder of the love that had always been there, even in the simplest of moments. And as he reached for a bottle of Golden Terra Oil at the supermarket, he did so not just as a consumer, but as someone who had been touched by the power of nostalgia and the enduring bond of family.
The “Pour Pure Love” campaign emphasises the importance of creating an emotional connection with consumers by offering meaningful connections in addition to high-quality products.
Chief Marketing Officer, TGI Group, Probal Bhattacharya stated that the outpouring of positive reviews and engagement from consumers for the “Pour Pure Love” campaign underscores the enduring connection between Golden Terra Soya Oil and the moments of motherly love and care shared around the dining table.
“Our goal is to be more than just a product on the shelf – we strive to be a trusted companion, a source of inspiration, and a symbol of warmth and love. With the Pour Pure Love campaign, Golden Terra Oil pays tribute to all the world’s Moms for the warm tasty meals that fill our hearts and our souls with all the love that they pour selflessly into our lives,” he stated.
Golden Terra Soya Oil is a premium, all-purpose cooking oil made from 100 percent pure soya beans, sourced and manufactured in Nigeria. It contains 5x more PUFA (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids) proven to deliver numerous health benefits, like reducing cholesterol, maintaining a healthier heart, enhancing nerve function, boosting brain health, and supporting muscle strength. Discerning consumers trust Golden Terra Soya Oil to bring an unmatched balance of Taste & Health to every dish cooked with it. Available in various sizes, including 1000ml pouch, 700ml and 1.4L bottles, and 2.5L, 4.5L, and 25L kegs.
Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group is an international investment and holding company with diversified interests and investments across Africa, The Middle East, Asia, and other emerging markets. TGI’s investments focus on driving inclusivity and value addition using locally sourced raw materials, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, and a highly skilled workforce to produce world-class products that are consumed both locally and exported to global markets. Across markets, TGI Group owns over a hundred leading brands in Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Agricultural Inputs, Industrial Chemicals, Homecare Products and Pharmaceuticals.
In the bustling kitchens of homes across Nigeria, something magical is happening. Amidst the sizzle of pans and the aroma of spices, families are coming together in a celebration of love, nourishment, and togetherness. Golden Terra Soya Oil’s “Pour Pure Love” campaign has captured the hearts and taste buds of consumers nationwide.
For AlhassanSule, an engineer, watching the ad repeatedly reminds him of a time long gone, yet still etched vividly in his memory. As he watches the scene unfold on screen—a mother stirring a pot of soup, the aroma filling the kitchen—he can’t help but be transported back to his own childhood home.
Suddenly, he was a young boy again, sitting at the kitchen table, watching his mother cook with the same love and care. He could almost taste the flavors of her cooking, and feel the warmth of her embrace as she served him a bowl of steaming hot soup.
But it wasn’t just the sights and smells that brought tears to his eyes; it was the flood of emotions that accompanied them—the love, the warmth, the sense of belonging. In that moment, he realised how much those simple meals had meant to him, how they had formed the foundation of his most treasured memories.
As the ad came to an end, he finds himself smiling through his tears, grateful for the reminder of the love that had always been there, even in the simplest of moments. And as he reached for a bottle of Golden Terra Oil at the supermarket, he did so not just as a consumer, but as someone who had been touched by the power of nostalgia and the enduring bond of family.
The “Pour Pure Love” campaign emphasises the importance of creating an emotional connection with consumers by offering meaningful connections in addition to high-quality products.
Chief Marketing Officer, TGI Group, Probal Bhattacharya stated that the outpouring of positive reviews and engagement from consumers for the “Pour Pure Love” campaign underscores the enduring connection between Golden Terra Soya Oil and the moments of motherly love and care shared around the dining table.
“Our goal is to be more than just a product on the shelf – we strive to be a trusted companion, a source of inspiration, and a symbol of warmth and love. With the Pour Pure Love campaign, Golden Terra Oil pays tribute to all the world’s Moms for the warm tasty meals that fill our hearts and our souls with all the love that they pour selflessly into our lives,” he stated.
Golden Terra Soya Oil is a premium, all-purpose cooking oil made from 100 percent pure soya beans, sourced and manufactured in Nigeria. It contains 5x more PUFA (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids) proven to deliver numerous health benefits, like reducing cholesterol, maintaining a healthier heart, enhancing nerve function, boosting brain health, and supporting muscle strength. Discerning consumers trust Golden Terra Soya Oil to bring an unmatched balance of Taste & Health to every dish cooked with it. Available in various sizes, including 1000ml pouch, 700ml and 1.4L bottles, and 2.5L, 4.5L, and 25L kegs.
Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group is an international investment and holding company with diversified interests and investments across Africa, The Middle East, Asia, and other emerging markets. TGI’s investments focus on driving inclusivity and value addition using locally sourced raw materials, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, and a highly skilled workforce to produce world-class products that are consumed both locally and exported to global markets. Across markets, TGI Group owns over a hundred leading brands in Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Agricultural Inputs, Industrial Chemicals, Homecare Products and Pharmaceuticals.
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