The increasing prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria is a public health crisis largely driven by unhealthy dietary habits, notably the excessive consumption of sugary drinks and processed foods. As part of its efforts to address this trend, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) organised a two-day capacity-building event on July 2nd and 3rd, 2024.
The event marked the launch of the Healthy Food Policy Youth Vanguard (HFPYV), an initiative designed to equip young advocates with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead conversations on food justice and raise public awareness about healthy diets.
Delivering goodwill messages at the programme, Joy Amafah, In-Country Coordinator of the Global Health Advocacy Initiative (GHAI), and Michael Olaniyan, In-Country Coordinator for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK), commended CAPPA’s efforts in public health advocacy and emphasised the crucial role of the youth in driving policy changes and public sensitisation.
In his opening address, Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA, acknowledged the significant contributions of young volunteers in the campaign for healthy food policies. He urged them to embrace critical thinking as a strong character in their advocacy and quest for an equitable future for all.
The two-day training session, which drew the active participation of thirty youth advocates and saw the facilitation of sessions by public health and food justice campaign experts, provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the burden of NCDs, including the health dangers associated with the excessive consumption of sugar and salt, such as the risks of developing obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. The workshop also enlightened participants on how to develop advocacy campaigns and cycles for food justice, engage in effective monitoring of the food industry, and conduct strategic advocacy utilising digital media platforms.
Speaking on Diet-Related Diseases in Nigeria, Dr. Francis Fagbule, a Public Health Specialist, presented compelling evidence on the rising prevalence of diet-related diseases in Nigeria. He explained how poor dietary habits contribute to conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Dr. Fagbule highlighted the urgent need for public health interventions and policies that promote healthier diets, stressing the importance of reducing the consumption of sugary drinks and processed foods.
CAPPA’s Senior Programme and Digital Media Manager, Abayomi Sarumi, discussed CAPPA’s Healthy Diets and Food Justice Campaign, emphasising the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health—a concept known as One Health. He outlined how unhealthy diets impact not just individual health but also the broader environment and society. Sarumi also noted the potential challenges young food justice advocates might face in their pursuit of food justice, including opposition from corporations profiting from unhealthy foods and possible resistance from family and friends. Despite these challenges, he encouraged participants to remain committed to their advocacy to achieve the long-term benefits of a healthy planet for everyone.
Opeyemi Ibitoye, SSB Tax Project Officer at CAPPA, provided an Overview of the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Tax Campaign. She explained that the campaign’s primary goal is to improve public health by cultivating widespread awareness and support for the SSB tax, which seeks to reduce the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by imposing a tax on beverages that increase the risk of these diseases. Ibitoye discussed the economic and health benefits of implementing such a tax, stating that the revenue generated will provide additional funds for the government, which can be used to improve the country’s health infrastructure. She also noted that the campaign aims to encourage consumers to make healthier choices.
Other speakers at the meeting include Zikora Ibeh, Senior Programme and Research Manager at CAPPA who provided practical tips on how youth advocates can effectively organise and lead campaigns for healthier food policies, including prioritising their personal health and well-being, speaking up against deceptive marketing by challenging misleading industry practices such as the promotion of vaping as a progressive lifestyle, recognising patterns of food injustice and utilising every opportunity to challenge such trends.
Akinbode Oluwafemi taught participants the Advocacy Cycle for Food Justice, detailing each step from problem identification to impact evaluation. He explained the importance of setting clear goals, developing strategic messages, and building coalitions to strengthen any campaign. Following his presentation, the CAPPA Digital Media team, led by Lekan Fagbenro and Anjola Fatuase, provided participants with tips for creating impactful and credible content by leveraging social media platforms and action photography.
Towards the end of the workshop, participants engaged in practical sessions where they collaborated in groups to develop advocacy strategies, enhancing their teamwork and leadership skills. Participants also received certificates for their active participation and commitment to promoting food justice. The conclusion of the program saw the youth advocates take to the streets for an advocacy march, educating the public on the dangers of unhealthy diets and advocating for the effective implementation of the SSB Tax.
Pictures from the Event
