In line with the National Nutrition Society of Nigeria’s mandate to promote nutrition awareness and foster healthier populations, the NSN Imo State Chapter successfully commemorated the 2025 National Nutrition Week with the theme “Sustainable Nutrition for a Healthier and Productive Nigeria.” The week-long activities were strategically designed to increase public awareness, educate communities, and inspire sustainable nutrition practices across different population groups in Imo State.
The Chapter executed activities across multiple platforms and communities as follows:
- Toast FM 90.3 Owerri – 26th November 2025
- Osiza FM 96.1 Owerri – 26th November 2025
- Shopping Plaza, Relief Market, Owerri – 27th November 2025
- New Life Methodist Church, Owerri – 30th November 2025.
Key Activities Conducted:
a. Radio Talk Shows/Presentations:
Educational presentations were made on Toast FM 90.3 and Osiza FM 96.1, focusing on:
i. The meaning and importance of sustainable nutrition.
ii. Practical ways Nigerians can adopt healthy and affordable diets.
iii. The role of communities, caregivers, and institutions in promoting sustainable dietary habits.
iv. Promoting breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding as foundational pillars of sustainability.
These platforms enabled the state chapter to reach a large audience across Owerri and neighboring communities.
b. Food Demonstration (Relief Market Plaza):
Hands-on demonstrations were conducted to showcase preparation of nutritious, affordable, and locally available meals.
Emphasis was placed on:
i. Reducing food waste.
ii. Using seasonal and indigenous foods.
iii. Meal diversification.
iv. Safe food handling practices.
v. Market women, traders and shoppers.
c. Nutrition Education Sessions:
Targeted nutrition education was implemented at different venues, addressing:
i. Healthy eating for families.
ii. Maternal, infant, and young child nutrition (MIYCN).
iii. Prevention of diet-related diseases.
iv. Importance of food security and sustainable food choices.
v. Participants were engaged through interactive discussions.
d. Nutrition Assessment:
At the Relief Market Plaza, free nutrition assessments were conducted, including:
i. Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements.
ii. Nutrition counselling.
iii. Individualized recommendations based on assessed nutritional status.
This activity increased awareness of personal health and encouraged adoption of healthier lifestyles.
e. Thanksgiving and Nutrition Education (Church Program):
On 30th November 2025, the Chapter rounded off the week with a Thanksgiving service at New Life Methodist Church, Owerri, which included:
i. A brief nutrition presentation for the congregation.
ii. Messaging on healthy dietary practices.
iii. Sensitization on the importance of nutrition for spiritual, physical, and community well-being.
Participants and Funding Partners:
The National Nutrition Week activities were implemented by:
i. Members of the NSN Imo State Chapter, including registered dietitians, nutritionists and volunteers.
ii. Students from various state institutions, who supported coordination, data collection, and demonstrations
Funding:
The week’s activities were fully sponsored through freewill donations from members of the NSN Imo State Chapter. No external funding partners were involved.
Key Outcomes:
- Increased Public Awareness: Radio engagements significantly expanded public knowledge on sustainable nutrition, reaching thousands of listeners across Imo State.
- Improved Community Nutrition Skills: Food demonstrations empowered market women, traders, and caregivers with practical skills for preparing healthy, affordable meals using local ingredients.
- Enhanced Individual Health Awareness: Nutrition assessments helped participants understand their nutritional status and encouraged adoption of healthier lifestyles.
- Strengthened Community Engagement: Direct interactions in the market and during the church Thanksgiving fostered community appreciation of nutrition education and encouraged active participation.
- Capacity Building for Students: Students who participated gained hands-on experience in community nutrition promotion, assessments, and public engagement.
- Visibility and Strengthening of NSN Imo Chapter: The chapter’s presence and commitment to public health were reinforced through multi-platform outreach across the state.
The 2025 National Nutrition Week was successfully executed by NSN Imo State Chapter, with impactful community engagement and meaningful contributions toward promoting sustainable nutrition practices. The Chapter remains committed to continuous advocacy, awareness creation, and collaboration in enhancing the nutritional well-being of Imo State residents and Nigerians at large.
