Nestle Nigeria in collaboration with the Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre (LBSSC) launched the application process for the 2023 edition of their specialized program for journalists called ‘Nestlé Advancing Nutrition, Health and Environmental Awareness through the Media.’
The initiative, which began in 2019, aims to equip journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge to report on nutrition, health, and environmental topics accurately. Over 200 journalists have benefited from this program thus far. The training for this year’s program will commence on June 20, 2023.
The ‘Nestlé Advancing Nutrition, Health and Environmental Awareness through the Media’ program offers a combination of virtual and in-person sessions. Participants will engage in sessions focused on sustainability issues, data analysis, and solutions journalism.
The goal is to empower journalists to effectively communicate and educate the Nigerian population about global best practices and lifestyle choices that impact their everyday lives.
Previous participants have reported an improved ability to understand the connections between nutrition, health, sustainability, and climate change in the Nigerian context as they recognize the significant impact these factors have on individuals, communities, and the economy.
Manager of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at Nestle Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka, emphasized the importance of accurate information in making informed nutrition and lifestyle choices while acknowledging the media’s crucial role in disseminating information to those who need it most.
Uwadoka believes that with the right opportunities and tools, the media can positively influence individuals to adopt habits that are beneficial for both people and the planet.
Nestle Nigeria is thrilled to partner with the LBS Sustainability Centre to enhance journalists’ knowledge in nutrition, health, wellness, and the environment over the past five years.
This year, the focus is on reaching journalists across all media platforms who have not previously had the opportunity to participate in the training. The program aims to improve the impact of reporting across multiple platforms and audiences, driving desired behavioral changes on a larger scale.
The program curriculum, led by facilitators from academia, industry, and journalism, is based on Solutions Journalism. It covers essential journalism skills such as research, data-based reporting, writing, data analytics, and presentation.
Participants will gain the expertise to develop compelling stories, editorials, news video features, documentaries, and podcasts, fostering widespread awareness of nutrition, wellness, environmental conservation, climate change, and corporate sustainability issues.
Since the call for entries opened on May 19, 145 applications have been received from journalists interested in reporting on nutrition, health, the environment, and sustainability. Interested individuals can register for the program at https://bit.ly/NHE-MA.
Please note that journalists who have participated in previous editions of the program are not eligible to apply again.