Nestlé for Good Summit Promotes Collaborative Solutions for Nutrition and Sustainability in Nigeria
This year’s Nestlé for Good Summit saw various stakeholders converge to explore innovative and cooperative strategies aimed at enhancing nutrition outcomes, bolstering communities, and fostering a more sustainable food system in Nigeria.
Hosted by Nestlé Nigeria, the one-day summit took place at the Landmark Events Center in Lagos. The event brought together a diverse group, including government officials, health specialists, development partners, academics, industry leaders, civil society representatives, and members of the media.
In light of Nigeria’s ongoing challenges concerning nutrition, public health, and food systems, the summit served as a pivotal platform for cross-sector dialogue. Participants discussed how to drive impactful and scalable solutions to these pressing issues.
Among the notable attendees were Mr. Wasim Elfseini, Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria PLC; Mr. Folashed Bada Ambrose Medebem, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment; and Professor Akin Abayomi, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health. The summit also saw the presence of leaders from various development organizations, public health institutions, and the private sector.
Conversations at the summit revolved around actionable strategies for improving nutrition across different life stages, strengthening local food systems, and cultivating more resilient communities. Participants highlighted the importance of partnerships in tackling the interconnected challenges of nutrition, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability.
Mr. Elfseini emphasized that the summit underscores Nestlé’s commitment to creating shared value, which is at the heart of the company’s operations. He stated, “At Nestlé, we are devoted to unleashing the potential of food to enhance quality of life for everyone today and in the future. Achieving consistency in delivering quality food at scale necessitates robust systems throughout our value chain, from responsible sourcing and manufacturing to distribution and sustainability.”
He further noted that the Nestlé for Good initiative provides a clearer understanding of how the company positively influences nutrition, community well-being, and environmental health.
Mr. Ambrose Medebem, the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, acknowledged Nestlé Nigeria’s efforts in uniting stakeholders on topics vital to both public welfare and economic development. He conveyed, “Today’s discussions extend beyond food; they encompass human capital, productivity, public health, economic growth, and the future of our communities.”
Emphasizing the need for ongoing collaboration among governments, industries, development agencies, and local communities, he stressed that this approach is crucial for achieving significant improvements in nutrition outcomes.
Victoria Uwadoka, Head of Corporate Communications, Public Relations and Sustainability at Nestlé Nigeria, elaborated on the company’s strategy. “Nestlé for Good aims to illustrate how our products, sourcing practices, partnerships, and community investments converge to foster healthier lives and resilient communities,” she stated.
Patricia Ekaba, Head of Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability for Central and West Africa, also spoke on the importance of adopting a long-term, systemic approach. She noted that sustainable progress hinges on moving beyond temporary solutions, as the interdependence between business growth and social advancement can yield lasting impacts for both companies and communities.
A standout feature of the summit was the Impact Showcase, where attendees engaged with genuine stories from beneficiaries of Nestlé’s diverse initiatives in women’s empowerment, youth capacity building, dairy development, and environmental sustainability. These narratives highlighted the effective interventions across the value chain that enhance livelihoods and fortify communities while promoting sustainable practices.
The summit offered attendees a hands-on opportunity to witness how Nestlé’s products and initiatives support nutrition, livelihoods, and sustainability within various stages of the food system. The Nestlé for Good Summit represented a critical step in deepening dialogue and strengthening partnerships, paving the way for tangible progress. As Nigeria continues addressing intricate nutrition and development challenges, Nestlé Nigeria is steadfast in its dedication to collaborating with stakeholders to foster practical solutions that enhance quality of life on a larger scale.
