Features

IWD 2021 & Protein Deficiency: Women To Save the World

Published

5 years ago

March 7, 2021

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By Elvis Eromosele

Women are the bedrock of society. They, very literally, feed, clothe and inspire the world.
It is not far-fetched to see how women are the sinew that holds families and the globe together.
In many homes, women make the most important buying decisions, particularly as it relates to what to eat. Women ensure that the world is fed.

At every point in time across the world, regardless of the time of day, a woman is shopping for household supplies of food. Every day they struggle with the choices, labour over the cost and agonize over portions. It is between what is available and affordable, quantity and quality, ease of preparation (read convenience) and value. It is a never-ending struggle.

The Nigeria Protein Deficiency Report 2019 supports this assertion. The report of the survey, which was designed to empirically determine the current status and dimensions of protein deficiency in Nigeria, sheds light on food consumption patterns among Nigerians. According to the report, “51 per cent of respondents do not have adequate protein-rich foods due largely to high cost.” The report also showed that the fundamental factors determining the necessity of meal items consumed across the country are availability (79%) and affordability (68%).

It also reveals something that most Nigerians would probably expect, that carbohydrates are the most consumed food amongst Nigerians. Rice topped the list with 91%, closely followed by ‘swallows’ (such as eba, amala, fufu, pounded yam, etc.) at 83%. 58% of sampled institutional providers (dieticians and nutritionists) insisted that the protein intake of Nigerians is generally quite insufficient.

The challenge is that when people do not get adequate amounts of protein from their diet, it leads to protein deficiency. Protein deficiency is today a major cause of malnutrition, especially among children.

In Nigeria, several reports indicate that protein deficiency poses not only a major health problem but also an economic and social burden. It is the most important risk factor for illness and death, with millions of pregnant women and young children particularly affected.

It is time to go on the offensive in the fight against protein deficiency. It is time to recruit the most important buying decision-maker in the home. To curb the incidences of protein deficiency in Nigeria, women must become more involved in the battle. They already do so much. They are heroes without capes. But women can ensure that the country, nay the world, is fed right.

To involve women to do more, they must be educated and empowered. Women empowerment, undoubtedly, benefits the nation, it leads to an improvement in the nutritional status of families, households and the nation at large. Yes, women empowerment will reduce poverty, enrich and boost the nutritional status and enhance national economic performance. Women empowerment is a win-win in every way.

As domestic implementers in the homes, the choices women make, many times, determine the nutrition status of their families. That choice, however, is premised on several factors, including literacy, income and available food options. This is precisely why women education and empowerment are key and doubly important.

The best time to start is today.

Of course, there are also cultural issues. With over 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria, it is not surprising that there are as many food cultures. There are places where children can’t eat eggs so as not to become spoilt. In others, women cannot eat gizzards when there is a man present. There are several more just as bad and many others that are worse.

Invariably, it would require a massive culture shift to eliminate the various cultural practices that lead to malnutrition and protein deficiency in Nigeria.

Massive sensitization at the community level would be a great way to start. This should take into cognizance existing knowledge, attitudes and practices within the communities. It would mean being willing to confront the communities with the realities, dangers and causes of malnutrition. It would involve awareness campaigns focused on the benefits of protein nutrient-rich meals. The Nigeria Protein Deficiency Awareness campaign, aka Protein Challenge, is already working in this space. It seeks to create massive nationwide awareness of Nigeria’s protein deficiency situation to help mitigate occurrences everywhere in the country, with particular emphasis on soy as a cost-effective source of protein.

In the fight against protein deficiency, women are the world’s secret weapon. Women will ensure that protein deficiency is vanquished in Nigeria, one family at a time.

Women will save the world.

Every time is a good time to celebrate women. The month of March is particularly important because of the commemoration of International Women’s Day. This is a day set aside specifically to celebrate women. This year especially more so as women again continue to contribute immensely to efforts to save the world.

The UN Women announced that the theme for International Women’s Day, 2021 (IWD 2021) is
“Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.” The theme celebrates the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Women make up at least half the world’s population. Their contribution cannot be understated. Their celebration must be always on.
Happy International Women’s Day 2021!

Related Topics:Protein Deficiency Women To Save the World

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Abiodun declares state of emergency on flooded Isheri community

…assures residents of permanent solution after comprehensive assessment

Published

3 years ago

October 23, 2023

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Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Monday declared state of emergency on the flooded Isheri community, in Ifo Local Government Area of the State, as he assured residents of the area quick intervention to save the situation.

The governor added that a comprehensive assessment that would lead to permanent solution to the menace of flooding in the affected area would be conducted very soon.

Prince Abiodun, who stated this while fielding questions from newsmen after inspecting the flooded community, said that his administration is working with the federal government to deal with the situation as an emergency case.

He noted that the time has come to find a lasting solution to the perennial flooding to make the area morw conducive for living.

According to him, the state government will see to the elevation of some roads in the area as parts of the solutions to the problem.

The govenor said: “We will prioritize the works here because I am touched with what I have seen. I will ensure that we immediately begin to see signs of relief as we are stepping this up. The Minister of State for Environment is already aware. The Vice President is already aware and also the president. It will be dealt with as an emergency and we are taking it as such.

“As an emergency, I will like to take it up myself. Please continue to bear with us as we are going to conduct a comprehensive assessment of what we need to do to make this place conducive for living.

“Whatever that assessment comes up with is what we are going to implement. So, we are going to first start with ensuring that we have the required road infrastructure at the appropriate levels.

“So if you now built in such a way that we need to relocate you, we have to do that. Whatever it is that we must do to ensure that place does not persistently experience flood, we will do it. But let us wait for the result of the studies to come back and then we will begin to take that decision as and when the situation arises.”

Addressing residents of Riverview Estate, Governor Abiodun said he has requested for an area survey of the entire estate to identify critical areas that needed immediately intervention.

He assured that the intervention would come through the construction of an elevated road with adequate drainages to mitigate their suffering.

“I want to assure you today, knowing fully well that we are a promise keeping administration, we do not say what we do not mean, my heart goes out to you, it is very unfortunate, I am giving my commitment today, the commissioner for works will come and see what needs to be done.

“We have also engage the Minister of State for the Environment, who fortunately, is from Ogun State and I have already brought this to his attention.

“Before the end of the week, I will also table it before the Vice President and the President as well so that we ensure that this problem gets all the desired attention and consequently gets the desired solution so we can bring this to an end,” he said.

The governor also disclosed that he and the Minister of Water Resources would visit the community in few days time.

“We will also discuss the issue of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority and try and interrogate the activities there and understand how their activities affect this community and other communities with respect to the opening and closing of the dam,” he said.

The governor described the environment around the Kara cattle market as an eyesore and not befitting the dreams of a “new Ogun State”.

He said that the market was not conducive for human living and not in tandem with the Sustainable Development Goals and waste disposal.

He, however, acknowledged the area as one of the biggest commercial operation that provide services to a large number of people, even as he assured that government would go into a satisfactory agreement with the market men and women after which a comprehensive beautification of the area would take place.

The Chairman, Riverview Estate, Abayomi Akande, in his remarks, intimated the governor of the suffering residents of the area are going through as a result of the flooding.

He said that there is a need for a panel of inquiry into the operations of Oyan Dam to stop incessant release of water to cause havoc in the State

He applauded the governor for sending miscreants packing from the road, saying residents of the axis have suffered robbery attacks and other criminalities for quite awhile.

Akande urged the state government to think of converting the area into a Government Residential Area (GRA) through Public Private Partnership arrangement to fast track its development.

Features

MediaTek, Airtel Nigeria intensify collaborative efforts to bolster mobile connectivity in Nigeria

Published

3 years ago

October 13, 2023

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Lagos, Nigeria – October 12, 2023 – MediaTek, a global leader in semiconductor industry together with Airtel Nigeria, a leading telecommunications service provider, briefed the local media on Thursday on their collaborative efforts, to drive technological advancements and improve mobile connectivity across the nation.
The collaboration introduces MediaTek’s T750-powered Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), a groundbreaking technology that enhances internet connectivity. This advancement allows users to access high-speed 5G networks from the comfort of their homes, opening doors to remote work, gaming, online education, and entertainment streaming like never before.

Speaking during the session, Rami Osman, Director for Corporate Sales and Marketing at MediaTek, Middle East Africa, highlighted MediaTek’s commitment towards expanding its footprint across the Smartphone and Smart Device ecosystem in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region.
“MediaTek is at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry, and we are proud to lead the way in key sectors like Smartphones, 5G Fixed Wireless Access, Wi-Fi, TV, and AI-IoT. In Nigeria, our collaboration with Airtel Nigeria, revolves around three core areas of focus. In connectivity, we are enhancing high-speed internet access with our advanced chipsets.”

“In the Smartphone domain, we are committed to offering a wider range of premium and flagship devices while supporting the transition from feature phones to smartphones. In the realm of AI-IoT, we are exploring new possibilities and technologies. Thus, this will promote digital inclusion, revolutionize connectivity in Nigeria, and contribute to sustainable development goals,” said Osman.

In addition, he said, “This collaboration aligns seamlessly with our MEA agenda, laying a robust foundation for the future of 5G technology. As we move forward, we are excited to lead in technological progress within this continually evolving region.”

Ismail Olusegun Adeshina, Director, Marketing at Airtel Nigeria, emphasized the importance of the partnership with MediaTek and how it will provide affordable connectivity to Nigerians. He stated, “Our commitment to innovation is evident through our early adoption of 5G technology. We’re proactively investing in this technology to improve connectivity, to tackle coverage and cost challenges, and make 5G devices more accessible across Nigeria”.

MediaTek powers globally recognized brands and remains dedicated to providing state-of-the-art innovations through its latest products and solutions. These offerings span a diverse range, including smartphones, smart devices, automotive technology, satellite connectivity solutions, and next-generation wearables.

MediaTek’s product portfolio includes MediaTek Dimensity for 5G smartphones, MediaTek HelioG series for 4G gaming smartphones, MediaTek Kompanio for arm-based Chromebooks, MediaTek Pentonic for Smart TV technologies, MediaTek Genio for Internet of Things applications, MediaTek Filogic for advanced Wi-Fi 6/6E & Wi-Fi 7 solutions, and MediaTek Dimensity Auto for cutting-edge automotive technologies, among others.
For more information, please visit: https://www.mediatek.com/

Features

Bigi Brand’s Annual “Watch & Win” Promo Returns with Grand Prizes

Published

3 years ago

September 28, 2023

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The award-winning Bigi Carbonated Soft Drink brand, a product of Rite Foods Limited, is delighted to unveil her highly-anticipated fourth edition of its “Bigi Watch and Win” promo. Designed exclusively for movie enthusiasts in Lagos and Abuja, this exciting promo offers participants the opportunity to watch their favourite movies and win fantastic prizes.

From September 18, 2023, to November 18, 2023, movie goers can enjoy any film of their choice at Silverbird Cinemas and receive a raffle ticket. These tickets can be redeemed for a chance to win incredible prizes, including laptops, Bigi products, printers, perfumes, and more. The grand prize for this edition is a brand-new car.

The first edition of “Bigi Watch and Win” took place in 2021, and later that same year in December, the Bigi brand held another edition. Since then, it has become an annual tradition, demonstrating Rite Foods Limited’s commitment to rewarding brand loyalty among its valued consumers.

Ms. Biola Aransiola, Assistant Brand Manager for Bigi, expressed her excitement about the fourth edition of the promo, saying, “We’ve partnered with Silverbird Cinemas to enhance people’s movie-going experience. Movie lovers can enjoy any of our 13 Bigi Carbonated Soft Drink flavours while watching their favourite films and stand a chance to win amazing prizes.”

Ms. Aransiola also mentioned that her favourite part is witnessing participants’ reactions when they discover the incredible prizes they have won, particularly the grand prize—a brand-new car. She encourages potential participants to check @getbigi on all social media platforms for the terms and conditions.

Through the “Watch & Win” promo, the Bigi brand accentuates Rite Foods Limited’s dedication to supporting the entertainment industry. The brand continues to sponsor movie premieres, as it has in the past with movies such as “The Prophetess,” “Progressive Tailors Club,” and “Aki and Pawpaw.” Additionally, it has been a consistent sponsor of the popular talent discovery platform, Nigerian Idol, for three consecutive seasons (6, 7, & 8), helping aspiring Nigerian singers achieve their dreams of stardom in the music industry.

The “Watch & Win” promo, combined with other effective marketing initiatives, has earned the Bigi brand numerous awards within its market segment. In 2023, Bigi Cola was honored with the “Best Value for Money” award at the BrandXchange Consumers Value Awards. In 2022, it received the “Fastest Growing Cola Brand of the Year” award at the Marketing Edge Brands and Advertising Excellence Awards in Lagos. The Bigi brand also claimed the “Most Outstanding CSD Brand of the Year” award at the 2021 Brandcom Awards, solidifying its position as a market leader in the beverage industry, outperforming its competitors.