The Osun State Chapter of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) proudly joined the rest of the
nation to celebrate the 2025 National Nutrition Week with a well-coordinated three-day
programme that directly and indirectly reached over 200,000 residents of our people in Osun State and environs. Working with zero external funding, members personally financed all activities and achieved remarkable visibility, new partnerships and sustained media presence for nutrition
education in the state.
Key Activities:
The celebration commenced in earnest on Wednesday 26th November when the Chapter visited
Osogbo Grammar School, Oke-Fia, Osogbo. Members transformed part of the school classroom
into vibrant nutrition corners displaying a rich array of indigenous and seasonal foods such as several fruits and vegetables. More than 50 students from junior and senior classes, together with
their teachers, moved from one corner to another receiving practical lessons on the six food groups
using foods that can be sourced within Osun State, the dangers of hidden hunger, and simple food
hygiene practices. The session was highly interactive. The pupils enthusiastically participated in
quizzes and went home with fruits. The school management was so impressed that they requested if more than one nutrition club can be established in the city and state.
On thursday 27th November, the most colourful activities of the week were conducted. Over 30 nutritionists, dietitians, student members and volunteers assembled at Nelson Mandela
Freedom Park. The team embarked on a lively nutrition awareness walk through major streets of Osogbo (Old Garage, MDS, Station Road) chanting nutrition jingles in both Yoruba and English while carrying banners and placards. The walk terminated at the popular Oja-Oba Central Market where a temporary nutrition stand was immediately mounted. There, members conducted on-site counselling. Market women openly pledged to begin stocking and promoting indigenous meals, fruits and vegetables.
On Friday 28th November the Chapter was not able to continue its outreach within the faith community as planned due to some unforeseen programme at the mosque. However, the clerics wished the society would hold this lecture some other time and it was slated for Friday, 5th December
immediately after Jumat prayers at Human Central Mosque, Bolante, Osogbo.
Later that same afternoon, the executive members proceeded on a strategic advocacy visit to the headquarters of Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) with over 150,000 active listeners. During a warm courtesy call to the General Manager, the Chapter presented the Society’s 2025
position paper and passionately articulated the need for sustained public education on nutrition.
The visit yielded an outstanding success:
- OSBC management graciously approved 30 min to the society to speak on one of its programmes “Alafia loju”. Therefore, the radio station guaranteed a continued nutrition messaging to virtually every household in the state.
Below is the link to the radio programme held: Listen to the Radio Programme
Funding Partners:
- Throughout the week, the Chapter enjoyed warm collaboration with Osogbo Grammar School management, the leadership of Human Central Mosque, OSBC 104.5 FM who all provided venues, publicity and coverage at no cost.
- Money spent on banners, food samples, transport and printing was contributed by NSN Osun state chapter members showcasing passion and sacrifice to ensure that nutrition is improved in the state.
Key Outcomes:
The direct reach of the programme exceeded five hundred persons, but the true impact
extends far beyond that figure because of the secured radio airtime and the new partnerships formed with schools, markets and faith-based organisations.
The 2025 National Nutrition Week in Osun State has therefore not only succeeded in creating immediate awareness but has established a solid foundation for continuous, year-round nutrition advocacy across the State of the Living Spring. The Chapter expresses profound gratitude to the National Executive Council for the privilege of representing the Society at the grassroots and looks
forward to even greater achievements in the coming years with the hoped-for support of the national body.
