Coca Cola partners ANSS to encourage healthy lifestyle

By Daniels Ekugo

In a bid to continue promoting a culture of wellness among its consumers, Coca-Cola Nigeria sponsored the 2015 Annual Health Symposium/World Food Day, organized by the Association of Nutrition Science Students (ANSS), University of Ibadan, which had over 300 Nutrition students and experts in attendance.

While welcoming attendees to the symposium tagged, ‘Breaking the Cycle of Rural Poverty: The Role of Nutrition’, the President, Association of Nutrition Science Students (ANSS) University of Ibadan, Vincent Okafor, called on organisations and institutions involved in food and nutrition programs to connect with other stakeholders in order to address the food security challenges in the country.

Okafor noted that rural areas had a significant role to play in the economic and social development of the nation especially in developing countries, where over 70 per cent of the world’s poor people live in rural areas.

On his part, Community Affairs Manager, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Emeka Mba expressed the commitment of the beverage giant towards promoting the long-term wellness of the community in which they operate.

“Our business is only as prosperous as the communities in which we operate. We support dialogue fora with stakeholders from the academia, industry groups, research and development institutes to foster a shared understanding and balanced communication on health and nutritional issues. In addition, we also support over 280 Nutritional education programs and Physical activities across world, as part of our commitment to promote consumer wellbeing.

In her keynote presentation on Physical activity and Health, the Consultant Public Health, Physician and Senior Lecturer, Department of Community Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Dr. Oluwakemi Odukoya explained that, “Physical activity includes exercise as well as other activities which involve bodily movement and are done as part of playing, working, active transportation, house chores and recreational activities.”

Dr. Odukoya advised attendees to ensure they get, “at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week to strengthen and keep their hearts healthy.”

The members of the ANSS commended Coca-Cola Nigeria for its relentless support towards promoting health and wellness and the student body also presented the beverage giant an Award for Excellence.

The symposium also offered nutrition experts an avenue to discuss different issues relating to general healthy living and wellness.