Third Nutritious Food Fair tasks women to shun malnutrition, hidden hunger

At least 53% of deaths in women and children worldwide result from malnutrition, the World Health Organisation has said. In Nigeria, the situation is even more alarming as records show that malnutrition kills 100 children and at least six women of child bearing age every hour! In many cases, they die not only because they lack food, but also essential micronutrients.

To draw attention to this problem, HarvestPlus Nigeria brings people together every year under the umbrella of the Nutritious Food Fair (NFF), where it showcases agricultural solutions emphasising biofortified and nutritious foods. The event provides HarvestPlus and partners the opportunity to address people and further reveal how common crops like cassava, maize, and sweet potato now have the right amounts of micronutrients that helps forestall malnutrition and hidden hunger— a situation where the body cells do not get required micronutrients from food consumed.The third edition of the annual event, themed Scaling-up nutritious food choices: Engaging everyone everywhere, specially recognised the vital role women play as drivers of health in society. It therefore trained and commissioned over 3,000 women as “Smart Mothers”.

The Smart Mothers is an initiative of HarvestPlus Nigeria that provides a platform for women as farmers, processors, and marketers of nutritious food products to lend their voices to nutrition. It is a civil society organisation operating at the community, local government, state and federal levels.

“By feeding the family right, women can help promote good health and avert prevalent and terminal illnesses in the country,” said Princess Akunna Ubosi, wife of the Speaker Enugu State House of Assembly who launched the initiative together with wives of honourable members of Enugu State House of Assembly. Princess Ubosi also expressed confidence that the initiative will further help to alleviate poverty in the State.

According to Dr Paul Ilona, Country Manager, HarvestPlus Nigeria, tackling the challenges of malnutrition requires innovative approaches that are quick and smart to address emerging limitations. Dr Ilona explained women have primary roles to play in addressing malnutrition in Nigeria. He said unless women were trained to make nutrition sensitive decisions, malnutrition cannot be eradicated in the country. “When women are empowered we normally see improvement in children’s health, education, nutrition and welfare of family members. No smart mother will know the reason why children die and allow it. A smart mother will instead give her children the opportunity to grow to full capacity, and contribute to improving her environment. Through this initiative, we want to see mothers spend less money on drugs because their food is richer and their families healthier,” he said.

Dr Ilona also applauded government policy on supplementation and food fortification noting that the biofortification agenda of HarvestPlus complements the efforts of government and other development programmes.
“Having a multipronged approach in solving a single problem is the way to go, but we must ensure that all arms contribute optimally…the contribution of HarvestPlus makes it possible for common foods like cassava, maize, orange sweet potato to become the channel for delivering the daily nutritional needs of people,” he said.

Another objective of the 2017 NFF was to unlock the full potential of the biofortified sector in job and income creation. Hands-on trainings in agronomy, processing/value addition, and marketing of vitamin A cassava and maize were offered in the bid to create at least 3000 job opportunities in the sector.
Speaking during the opening ceremonies, Hon. Anayo Agu, Special Adviser to the Enugu State Governor on Small and Medium Enterprises and Investments Promotion said the Fair will help ordinary people do extraordinary things. He commended all partners with which HarvestPlus works to advance the cause of eradicating global hidden hunger.

The 2017 NFF took place at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu State on 28—30 November and showcased the latest automated planters, roasters, pneumatic pressers, graters, and flash dryers, among others. It was attended by more than 7,000 people overall including members of the National Assembly, speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Special Advisers to the Governor of Enugu State, wives of State honourable members, women and youth groups, along with representatives from the Dangote Foundation, TechnoServe, Ashoka, SUN Business Network, DFID-MADE, NEXIM Bank, and the international community.

HarvestPlus is a model for multi-partner, global research intervention where researchers have successfully used conventional breeding techniques to introduce vitamin A into cassava, maize, and sweet potato. Soon, zinc rice, iron and zinc sorghum and iron millet will be included into Nigeria’s biofortified food basket. HarvestPlus is funded by DFID, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and USAID.

Photo: L-R: Princess Akunna Ubosi, wife of the Speaker Enugu State House of Assembly (fourth) flanked by Mrs Ngozi Nwagu, Udi Constituency; Mrs Ify Chukaene, Udi south Constituency; Mrs Vivian Nnajiofor, Nkanu East; Mrs Chioma Nwamba, Nsukka East; and Princess Ugwuanyi, SPA to the Governor of Enugu State, at the Nutritious Food Fair in Enugu State where they commissioned the Smart Mothers Initiative

NAIJA FM TV UK SET TO CELEBRATES 5 YEARS OF OPERATIONS IN NIGERIA AND AFRIKA.

Naija 101.1 Radio London started its operations in the United Kingdom about 14 years ago transmitting and broadcasting News and events to Nigerians in diaspora all over the world, most especially News on politics, governance, entertainments, religions, culture, education, hospitality etc on the Nigerian home fronts to Nigerian all over the world. 

Some few years ago, it started the television segments “Naija tv sky/faith 590 UK, where it transmit Nigeria contents to the rest of Europe and beyond.  The idea was conceived by a vibrant Nigerian, Mr. Kent Uche, who is based in the UK and one of the entertainment promoters in Europe. Five years ago, it started its operations in Nigeria and Africa, with the likes of double Chief Akin Williams and Jare Ayo-Martins, where they transmit live programmes right from Nigeria to Europe and the rest of the world, showcasing live interviews and social events to all Nigerians in diaspora.

on Sunday, December 17^th 2017, the London Station will be celebrating its five years of operations in Nigeria/Africa, here in Lagos Nigeria, where staff both past and present will be giving awards of excellence services to the media outfits, also, prominent Nigerians doing great both within and outside Nigeria will be rewarded with special awards  for their support to the International media outfit.

According to Prince Abiodun Adeyemi and double Chief Akin Williams, who is the head of operations Africa, the Chairman of the occasion is Dr. M. A. Dominics, the CEO of Santa Maria Hospital, Igando, Lagos, along with Dr. Muiz Dosumu, while the Chairlady is Chief Mrs. Toyin Kolade, Chief Mrs. Remi Adiukwu while the  royal fathers and royal mothers are Olori Elenor Ali Tijani, Chief Mrs. Adeola Aramide etc.  The anniversary/awards events will be rounded up with musical and cultural entertainments at the Voyage Inn and Bars hotels, Oregun Ikeja, Lagos. 

LASG TO SHUT DOWN OBA AKRAN FOR 12HRS .

IN fulfillment of his administration’s pledge to make Lagos the preferred tourism destination in Africa, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has lent his weight behind the hosting of this year’s Lagos Street Carnival, which will hold at Oba Akran Road, Ikeja Lagos on December 3 as private sponsors-driven event.

Acting Commissioner for Tourism Arts and Culture Hon Adebimpe Akinsola said the carnival will herald the yuletide season in the state and will feature leading music stars such as Olamide, Salawa Abeni, Malaika, Kesh and Tope Sax among others.

She said that Lagos state is providing support for the Lagos Street Carnival designed after the popular Notting Hill Carnival London, which marked its 50th edition last year, as a way of sustaining the event.

The carnival, which had its debut as Lagos Street Party last year at Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos will showcase the diverse culture from different local councils and ethnic groups in Lagos featuring star-studded collection of musicians and cultural troupes.

She further revealed that “Arrangements are in place to ensure that the venue and its environs are safe and incident-free. We expect more visitors this year; so the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is working with the police, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Lagos State Fire service, and the Lagos State Waste Management Agency to make the carnival a memorable one.

All things been equal , n the day of the carnival,The road would be shut down, but  alternative routes had been prepared for the use of motorists. “Several adjoining roads will also be closed while  alternative routes will be accessed by road users. 

AVENGERS: THE SUPERHERO TEAM-UP FILM IS SUPER -SIZED.

After bringing together the likes of Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk, Captain America, Black Widow and Hawkeye in the first two Avengers flicks, Marvel is considerably upping the ante in the first trailer for Avengers: Infinity War, which brings together a massive number of the studio's heroes, from the Guardians of the Galaxy to Black Panther to Spider-Man. Based on the first trailer, which premiered on Good Morning America Wednesday introduced by Winter Soldier actor Sebastian Stan, it's going to be a star-studded spectacle of comic book delight. Avengers: Infinity War will hit theaters May 4, 2018. Credit:www.msn.com

UZOMATIK FOOD AND DRINK FIESTA HAPPENS IN LAGOS THIS DECEMBER.

All is now set for the maiden edition of Uzomatik Food and Drink Fiesta (UFDF), a one day exhibition of sales of online/offline foods and beverages, food technology/security among others.

in the words of  the brain behind this noble projects Isinguzo Uzoma a.k.a Uzo Ododo Oba  of  wazobia fm  , Uzomatik Food and Drink Fiesta is designed to showcase the quality of Nigerian food varieties with opportunities in the local and international markets, the talented broadcaster further stated that it aims to project the diverse angles of the food industry by connecting various businesses involved in the production and sales of food related items to a cosmopolitan audience of food enthusiasts," it will be a worthwhile event, for everyone" she submitted.

According to Kingsimage Communications, the publicist services providers to the organizers ,the event  comes at  Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Mobolaji Johnson Avenue, Alausa Ikeja on Saturday 2nd, December, 2017, beginning from 10am,  is not all about food as there will be lots of music and comedy by the likes of AFRICAN CHINA, JAYWON, LAMBOGINNY,  DWANA, CORNEL AND  RATATA ,Comedy by IGOS, BABAKHAY, IT IS IKECHUKWU, MR HYENANA, MC I GO DO, I AM SHORT FAMILY and many more, UFDF will also feature  eating and drinking competition, cultural performances, games, kiddies corner, fun rides, freebies, this event is getting place to gather all food and drink lovers at one place and to celebrate together.

Uzomatik Food and Drink Fiesta is powered by Strong Voice Media  an indigenous organization that offers top notch audio-visual production,event management and media consultation services. We have been dedicated to this goal since its inception. Strong Voice Media is coordinated by top Radio Presenter Isinguzo Uzoma  at WAZOBIA FM -  and her team of young talented media professionals. Admission to the event is absolute free. as supported by 

Wazobiafm,Wazobia Max, Clem Best,Angels Craft,Aulmedia Services,Kleems Creations,Bamboo Craft, lagoshappens.blogspot.com,Original Kel Media Concept, Happnings Magazine and YOU. 

Photo: UZO.CREDIT :google.com

AT TREK AFRICA AWARDS 2017, OSOBA URGED NIGERIANS TO DEFEND HER UNITY.

Finally the much anticipated 4th Edition of Trek Africa Awards and National Discourse 2017 held last week Sunday amidst celebration and pomp at the prestigious Oriental hotel, Victoria Island in Lagos.

The event which was hosted by Ghanaian celebrity TV presenter, Dzifa Gray and TVC senior correspondant, Ayodele Ozugbakun began with a glamorous Redcarpet session proved to be a delight to those in attendance with prominent Africans including past eminent statesmen, top notched celebrities, captains of Industries expressing their concerns and opinions on core issues affecting the continent.Beginning with a welcome address from Oki Samson, the Project Director for the annual Awards who stressed on the need for unity not just in the country but the continent as a whole and also made the most of the presence of the distinguished guests by  officially introducing the "I stand for a united Nigeria" project banner which he describes as a project for all Nigerians

According to him "we are gathered today from diverse culture and ethnicity and it is with great pleasure we are using this occasion, including the presence of eminent Nigerians to Officially Unveil the "I STAND FOR A UNITED NIGERIA” Project Banner. Where we all agree and pledge our allegiance to continue to live and work as a United Nigeria inspite of our diversity and complexity". The unveiling was  coordinated and officially Unveiled by the former Governor of Ogun state and Chairman of the Occasion, His Excellency, H/E. Chief Olusegun Osoba supported by  notable personalities including the National Chairman of National Conscience Party NCP, Dr. Tanko Yunusu and representatives of Senator Shehu Sani and other dignitaries like Alhaja Afusat Amosa Yusuf, Mrs Funke Kehinde, Capdan President, Mr. Niyi Ojikutu, Kid Star Entertainer, Ozzybee and the Chairman of Iru Local Council, Hon Princess Adu Abiodun.


The hosts of the Trek Africa Awards who had promised a National Discourse made good on the promise. He stressed that, "Nigeria is evidently and unarguably a land of great potential. This view stems from her enormous natural resources, talents, diversity of culture, population strength and citizens resourcefulness, Great nations in history enjoy only one thing in common; deliberate effort of citizens to build a secured and prosperous fatherland".
Evidently Nigeria is currently going through bleak times and while the country is struggling to come out of a crippling recession, the citizens are being bombarded by powerful figures which bode us no good. Vices are on the rise, violent crime and political intolerance seem to be darkening the horizon, the picture is not flattering.  Challenges facing us are monumental and they can only be overcome by patriotic zeal. 

In fact, at no other period in Nigeria's history has the need for unity and common sense of purpose being more imperative than the current times.
Fortunately, Nigeria and Africa as a whole is blessed with distinguished men and women of vision; people who are determined to make a positive difference and by their actions, are drawing a road map to the Nation's recovery in diverse fields and the Trek Africa Awards recognized these visionaries


In his speech chairman of the occasion , former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, urged ‘old politicians’ to give chance to the younger ones as the 2019 election approaches. Osoba sided with the younger generations citing they are in the best position to interpret the digital age and compete favourably with the rest of the world.He said: “The younger people should not just sit back. The older ones in politics should give them room. It is the younger ones who can accurately interpret the 21st century which is digital.”
According to him, in the banking world,  Nigeria is considered to be the most efficient and organised in the world, adding: “I don’t see why they can’t make it good in government.”


Meanwhile, the Guest Speaker, The Chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and National Chairman of NCP, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, who delivered the keynote address on the Topic: "Patriotism, Catalyst for National Development" also pushed for collective responsibility adding that no country could advance without the active involvement of the youths. 
“Nigeria needs a rebirth and it has to come with a paradigm shift from the old to a new set of people. They speak the language that the advanced nations understand. In the era of the 21st century, we need new leaders who can propel the country to a better height, irrespective of where they come from,” he said.
During the official unveiling of the "I Stand For A United Nigeria" project, Chief Osoba who declared openly, "I Stand for a united Nigeria" asked the distinguished audiences to claim the same.  


Some of the recipients of this year's edition of the prestigious awards are, Senator Shehu Sani, Gov Okowa Ifeanyi of Delta state, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, Hon Princess Adu Rasheedat Abiodun, Ghanaian celebrity TV host, Dzifa Gray, TVC Senior Presenter, Ayodele Ozugbakun, Mrs Buchi Madiebo Solomon, Ogun state Speaker, Rt. Hon Suraj Adekunbi, Ceo of Brillant concepts Int'l, Mrs. Funke Kehinde, Hon Godsown Obieze, Alhaja Afusat A. Yusuf, Awesco 9Ja Fashion World, Mr. Victor Etuk Inyang, Mr. Fola Akinnola, former Chief of Staff of Cross River state, Chief Alex Egbonna, Mr. Kola Silva-Ope, Mr Sam Olugola, MD of NIRSAL, Mr Aliyu A. Abdulhameed, CEO of Cellulant, Mr Akinboro Bolaji and Ogechi Ezeadi.

PHOTO: National Chairman, National Conscience Party (NCP), Dr Tanko Yunusa Receiving Award of Excellence from the Chairman of the Occassion and Former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba.

NUTRITIOUS FOOD FAIR 2017 TO CREATE 3000 NEW JOB OPPORTUNITIES.

                                               

The coal city Enugu will come alive this November as plans are in the advanced stages for the  2017 edition of Nutritious Food Fair which will open on November 28 through 30 at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, in partnership with Enugu State SME centre, Federal Ministries of Agriculture, Health, Education, Budget and Planning. Over ten thousand participants will attend this year’s event to exhibit nutritious food products, strengthen business skills and linkages, identify new partners, communicate brands for enhanced marketing and participate in a host of competitions targeted at promoting the consumption of nutritious foods by Nigerians. Participants will include farmers, processors, marketers and consumers of nutritious foods. Others include food industries, seed companies, input dealers, research institutions and students. One of the objectives of NFF 2017 is to create 3000 new job opportunities in the nutritious food sector.

Today’s food is highly essential for tomorrow’s growth and we must begin to connect the dots between food, health and GDP growth for Nigeria, said Paul Ilona, the Country Manager for HarvestPlus. With increasing vulnerability to hidden hunger, a condition where people do not get enough essential vitamins and minerals in their daily diets, cases of disabilities associated with micronutrient deficiencies (poor immune system, low IQ, diarrhea, night blindness, anaemia etc) will continue to grow if not checked. In a country where about 50% of the population live in the rural areas, micronutrient malnutrition will lead to increased pressure on national health budgets and a weak labour force that cannot drive agricultural production to meet demands of the food and industrial sectors. The World Bank estimates that Nigeria loses about 450 billion naira in GDP annually due mostly to micronutrient deficiencies. HarvestPlus and partners in Nigeria are developing and promoting nutrient rich staple crops and foods as a complementary strategy to reduce micronutrient malnutrition.

According to Ilona, Country Manager Harvest Plus, the nutritious Food Fair, which is gradually becoming the signature event in the food industry, has recorded a year-on-year 25 percent growth in the number of exhibitors, and some 50% growth in the number of participants during the past three years.  This year’s fair, which will feature exhibitions from different parts of the country, will contribute to increasing the production, value addition, marketing and consumption of more nutritious foods particularly those made from biofortified staple crops such as vitamin A cassava, vitamin A maize and orange sweet potato; and lay a foundation for the introduction of zinc rice, iron sorghum and iron millet.

In addition to showcasing the opportunities for engaging small, medium and large-scale investors in the country, the Fair will engage Master Trainers to mentor participants and provide post-training technical support.  Participants will acquire new knowledge and business guides on best farming practices by commercial farmers, best processing practices by medium and large scale processors, access to micro-credit by banks, access and use of inputs by agri-input dealers, product distribution by food industries and equipment use/maintenance by fabricators. Knowledge and business guides for sustainable and profitable investments will be articulated in specialized seminars for business enthusiasts.  

The most attractive segment of the Food Fair is the fun to catch. Consumers will find a world of nutritious food and drink options, traditional and masquerade dances, including special events such as the grande-finale of NutriQuiz competition for secondary schools, NutriYield competition for farmers and NutriCook competition for caterers. In addition, the largest nutritious cassava dish in the world will be unveiled for a Guinness record and a new platform for women called ‘SMART MOTHER’ will be launched to give women a voice in nutrition. 

Attracting thousands of participants in the public and private sectors annually, the  Food Fair has become an annual flagship event of HarvestPlus Nigeria and one that many people nationwide look forward to. In due course, the annual food fair can be expected to enhance the Nation’s tourism product and strengthen its culinary and hospitality sector. Everyone can be part of NFF 2017. Just register online at www.nutritiousfoodfair.org to attend for free.

Photo:Okro Soup .Credit:www.nigerianfoodtv.com