By Okosun Dennis
Nestle Nigeria plc says that the media is vital to accurate data journalism, correct misconception and give exact facts at a time of “information overload and misinformation.”
Therefore, the Media, as purveyors of information, builders of public trust, interpreters of science and enablers of actions, should use their various platforms to drive quality content that promotes nutrition, public health, and sustainable development.
In his closing remarks at the end of the 2025 Cohort of Nestlé Advancing Nutrition, Health, And Environmental Awareness Through the Media Programme, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mr Wassim Elhusseini, challenged the media to drive the narratives that would help unlock the power of data in shaping public understanding.
The training facilitated by the Lagos Business School (LBS), Sustainability Centre, Victoria Island, has evolved in the past eight years as a “training initiative for exchange, reflection, and mutual growth.”
Explaining further, Elhusseini added that the feedback mechanism and sustainable change have brought enormous collaborations and progress.
He explained that beyond accurate data, we need context that makes the data makes sense, and reiterated that whether reporting on malnutrition rates, environmental degradation, or public health trends, data-led journalism can illuminate the full picture and guide meaningful conversations.
While emphasizing on some core aspirations that can shaped future collaborations, Mr Elhusseini re-emphasized that collaboration is invaluable and essential. He observed that the challenges we face today does not operate in isolation but our strength is premised on our innate ability to cohere across multifarious disciplines leading to common objectives.
According to him, “Context is everything” adding that “numbers without context can mislead. Statistics on food insecurity become more powerful when it is linked to a child’s daily experience or a community’s struggle with access. Context gives data its humanity.”
“Your voice is a force — especially when it challenges hence constructive criticism sharpens impact. “We learn from your questions. We grow from your insights. And we are reminded, again and again, of why trust is earned, not given,” Elhusseini recounted.
While congratulating the 2025 Cohort drawn from different media spectrums – traditional and new media – Mr Elhusseini noted that when Nestle Nigeria started the programme in 2018, the whole idea was to galvanize cohesion with the media to promote, informed public dialogue around the interconnected issues of nutrition, health, and the environment, but today, it has crystalized into a stronger partnerships.
He enjoined the media professionals to “Keep asking questions, keep building networks and, Keep connecting the dots between what we eat, how we live, and the environment we depend on.”
While commending the LBS Sustainability Centre, the facilitators, the guest speakers, and the programme team for their invaluable contributions to the success of the programme, he assured of Nestle opened door policy for partnerships drive.
Mr. Wassim Elhusseini used the opportunity to present certificates to some participants while other presentations were made by the Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Dr. Victoria Uwadoka and Dr Kanalio Olaloku, who is the Manager, Nestle Nutrition Institute Central and West Africa.
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