(L-R) Oreva Atanya, Director, LBS Sustainability Centre; Francis Okoye, Faculty, Lagos Business School; Theresa Akibor-Daniel, Programme Manager, LBS Sustainability Centre; Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Nestlé Nigeria (middle); Toju Egbebi, Corporate Affairs Manager, Nestlé Nigeria (Middle second row) and Cross-Section of participants at the just concluded 2024 cohort of the ‘Nestlé Advancing Nutrition, Health, and Environmental Awareness Through the Media’
The 2024 Nestlé Journalists Training Programme was the Editors and Executives Edition successfully concluded with a dynamic in-person session from September 11 to 13, 2024. This intensive three-week programme, themed “Nestlé Advancing Nutrition, Health, and Environmental Awareness Through the Media” delivered by the Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre (LBSSC) in partnership with Nestlé Nigeria PLC, equipped media professionals with a comprehensive understanding of nutrition, health, and environmental issues and best practices reportage in today’s dynamic world of mass communication. The training focused on data-driven storytelling, solutions journalism, and the evolving role of the media in advocating for sustainability outcomes
Thirty – Seven (37) journalists from various media houses gathered to explore the intricate relationship between nutrition, health, and environmental sustainability. With a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical insights, participants were introduced to the latest trends in environmental challenges, climate change, and food systems. The programme underscored the pivotal role the media plays in raising awareness about best practices, lifestyle choices, and policies aimed at promoting sustainable food systems, enhancing public health, and ensuring environmental preservation.
Experiential Learning: Cross-section of participants with factory staff and sustainability team of Nestlé Nigeria at the Nestlé Agbara Facility, Ogun State.
Key sessions delivered in week one and two were Sustainability and Shared Value: Implications for Sustainable Development – A discussion on integrating shared value into business strategies; Key Environmental Sustainability Challenges in Africa: Health and Food Security– An exploration of Africa’s water and food systems; Business Solutions for Food Security; Solutions Journalism, and the Impact of Climate Change in Africa.
The programme also featured a fireside chat on Workplace Wellness with Ifeoluwa Adeniyi, it offered insights into fostering health and wellness in professional settings The training also included practical in-person workshop the following topics: Reporting on Nutrition, Health, and Environment, Solution Journalism Sustainability Practices in News Organisations, Authentic Leadership and Newsroom Dynamics, Financial Sustainability in Media, and a peer review on Advancing Nutrition Security in Nigeria. During the in-person sessions, participants were afforded the opportunity for a factory tour of Nestlé Nigeria in Agbara, Ogun State on Thursday, September 12, 2024. During the visit, participants were immersed in Nestlé’s innovative processes for producing their products organically, demonstrating the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The tour showcased Nestlé’s rigorous and well-planned techniques, including their approach to ensuring that their operations are free from diesel dependency—a key initiative to minimise carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy practices. Participants gained firsthand insights into how Nestlé integrates shared value principles into its production processes, from sourcing raw materials to delivering quality, environmentally conscious products to consumers. This experiential learning exercise served as a practical extension of the programme’s core themes, bringing to life the principles of nutrition, health, environmental sustainability, and shared value covered during the online sessions. It allowed participants to witness how sustainability strategies can be successfully implemented at scale, reinforcing their understanding of the critical interplay between sustainable practices and corporate operations.
This year’s training built on the critical link between nutrition, health, sustainability, and climate change, especially as it relates to the Nigerian context. The sessions provided deeper insights into the interconnectedness of weather patterns, food systems, and individual behaviours that influence both public health and environmental outcomes. The courses emphasised solutions journalism, encouraging participants to shift their narratives from problem-based reporting to stories that focus on actionable solutions.
Through real-world case studies, expert-led discussions, and hands-on experience, participants were equipped with the tools to critically analyse and report on data related to public health trends, environmental policies, and sustainable food practices. The programme underscored the need for journalists to engage in data-driven reporting to enhance the quality and impact of their stories.
The 2024 ‘Nestlé Advancing Nutrition, Health, and Environmental Awareness Through the Media’ programme has undoubtedly equipped editors and producers with the tools, knowledge and skills needed to lead impactful reporting on sustainability, nutrition and health and inspire positive behavioural change across Nigeria. The LBS Sustainability Centre remains grateful to Nestlé Nigeria for their continued support over the past four years in equipping journalists and media professionals and look forward to even greater collaboration in the years ahead.
Click here to view the communique summary of the programme.
