Hi everyone, this post is to update you on the happenings and resolves at the past Nigerian Nutrition Conference 2014. The conference was held from 2nd – 6th, September 2014 at Owerri, Imo State. The theme of the conference was
Adequate Nutrition: A Panacea for Sustainable Education and National Development”.
The many nutritional needs of the vulnerable groups in Nigeria was extensively discussed. For instance, I understood the need for an adequate Nutrition from conception to 2 years of a child’s life (The first 1000 days) was emphasized.
Nutrition surveillance reports showed the nutrition situation of every state in Nigeria, clearly shown from a survey conducted by the national survey team. Nigeria tends to be lagging far behind. The stunting rate although better than it was the last time that survey was conducted but it’s still considerably high. For a fact, Nigeria is far more resourceful in agro-allied production, if small scale farming is adopted in homes, also in a country having indigenous Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) from companies like Nasco, Dansa Foods, AACE Foods and more. Thus, records should reflect and relate so.
The Nigerian Nutrition SMART Survey from September 2012 was further elaborated upon following a situation Report by UNICEF.
The nutrition conference 2014 was sponsored by so many food related companies like Bournvita, Horlicks, Friso, CocaCola, Nestle, and many more. They all had representatives that came to discuss analytically on the nutritional benefits of their individual products, after which questions were thrown to them from the audience. Chilled Bournvita was served at intervals while the conference was going on (my personal highlight). We all in attendance got lot of gift packs from the above sponsors. The food served all through the 3 days of the conference was sumptuous and there were varieties – you bet the “Nutrition” Society of Nigeria was in charge. Everything went on decently.
The nutrition debate between University of Ibadan (UI) and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) was enlightening and informative. Kudos to the two debaters that represented their schools.
The cultural performance by the state cultural group was the bomb! I almost started dancing too. So many dignitaries attended including the State Government’s representative. Professor I.A. Onimawo – a past president of Nutrition Society of Nigeria and Director of Academic Planning of Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma was present too. He gave an interesting talk. Oral presentations were made by students from different schools in Nigeria. Poster presentations were attractively displayed. In all, I had a wonderful time and I came home with added nutrition knowledge. Next year’s conference would be held at Lagos state, you all are invited.
Nutrition Education is key!
