Nestlé Nigeria promotes student well-being with healthy eating habits

…As Ogun, Abuja schools win Healthier Kids quiz

Nestlé Nigeria has equipped students with the knowledge to make better nutritional decisions to promote healthier lifestyles among Nigerian children.

With the Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) competition, the food and beverage company aims to help 50 million children worldwide live healthier lives by 2030. The program aims to teach children healthy habits from an early age.

The food and beverage company recently organised the grand finale of the fifth edition of the competition which saw Oke-Ona United School, Ilugun Elega, Ogun State and UBE Primary School Pasali in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) emerge victorious.

Students from both schools were declared winners for their in-depth knowledge of healthy nutrition, hydration, physical activity and sustainability, the key pillars of the initiative.

Victoria Uwadoka, Head of Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability at Nestlé Nigeria, speaking at the grand finale held at Methodist Primary School II, Ago-Oko in Abeokuta, said the Nestlé Healthier Kids competition aims to create a lasting positive impact on future generations by focusing on the health and wellbeing of children.

She believes that teaching children healthy habits at a young age can have a profound effect on individuals, families and communities.

Uwadoka said the company is extremely proud of the students’ achievements and their enthusiasm for learning about healthy living.

“We congratulate all participants and express our sincere gratitude to our partners for their invaluable support and cooperation,” she said.

The initiative, she said, includes a school-based nutrition education and environmental sustainability program that will equip children with the knowledge to make better decisions about their diet and the environment, promoting a healthier future.

“The programme will benefit 35 schools including 20 in Ogun State, 10 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and five in Lagos State. The nutrition quiz has been incorporated as a critical component of the N4HK programme in Nigeria in 2020, designed to enhance students’ recall and retention of lessons learnt,” she said.

Uwadoka said 135 enthusiastic children in Lagos, Ogun and the FCT competed for the title of 2024 N4HK Quiz Champion.

She said the competition not only reinforces the lessons children learn in the classroom, but also ensures that children internalize the information.

Femi Majekodunmi, Executive Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board, commended the dedication and hard work of students and teachers.

He said their tireless efforts have made a remarkable impact on the educational climate of Ogun State.

Majekodunmi also praised Nestlé for its unwavering commitment to education and its continued support in creating a stimulating learning environment for students.

He advised the students to continue to strive for excellence and embrace the love of learning.

“Your potential is limitless and we have no doubt that you will have a positive impact on communities and the world at large,” said Majekodunmi.

At the Ogun State finals, Oke-Ona United School, Ilugun Elega, was declared the winner, followed by St. Peters Primary School, Siun in second place, while China Nigeria Friendship School Igbesa, Ado-Odo, Ota secured third place.

In Abuja, UBE Primary School Pasali emerged as the winner, while Science Primary School (SPS) Abaji came second and Science Primary School Kwali came third.

The schools were provided with a basketball court with player uniforms for first place, a desktop computer for second place, and a table tennis court with full equipment for third place.