The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Oluranti Adebule has commended FrieslandCampina WAMCO for her Peak 456 healthy eating and lifestyle initiative, which she said would have a far-reaching effect on both the physical and mental development of the Nigerian child.
She said this in a goodwill message delivered on her behalf by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Adebunmi Adekanye at the media launch of the initiative held in Lagos on Friday, November 17.
“The future of every nation lies with her children. No nation can achieve greatness either economically or politically without the children, hence the need to ensure that children, especially at their early stage in life, are well nourished, healthy and educated” Adebule said.
Nigeria’s leading dairy company, FrieslandCampina WAMCO launched the Peak 456 initiative in partnership with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) to promote healthy eating and exercise among children in Nigeria aged four to six years old.
The partnership is in line with the FrieslandCampina WAMCO global project tagged ‘Drink, Move and Be Strong’ pre-school programme that will engage and educate school children on healthy eating and active living.
Speaking during a media briefing on the project, the Corporate Affairs Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Ore Famurewa, disclosed that the Nigerian version of the programme is themed “Eating Healthy and Staying Active.”
She noted that eating and lifestyle habits are formed during childhood and do last a lifetime. Hence, there is a need to educate and support children right from their formative years in order to inculcate healthy lifestyle and behavior among them.
“Our goal is to drive healthy eating and active lifestyle habits by educating Children from the young age. We realize it is important for children to learn the benefits of good nutrition and to develop healthy eating habits. Schools are ideal for bringing nutrition education to children at an early age through qualified staff. It is key to note that the sooner children start making healthy choices, the easier it becomes to keep up good eating habits later in life.” Famurewa said.
In recognition of the roles teachers play in the development of children, the Marketing Manager IFT, Zatur Hassim, said “Teachers need to be empowered with knowledge and tools to pass on good healthy eating and active lifestyle habits to their pupils. FrieslandCampina WAMCO implemented a teachers’ workshop to equip pre-school and nursery teachers with the right knowledge on child nutrition.”
In line with this, the company gave out Peak 456 toolkits to aid teachers in their classrooms. Teachers were taught the ‘Peak 456 Exercise Moves’ – a simple exercise routine to the Peak 456 song. To aid easy access to information on healthy eating and active lifestyle tips, the Peak 456 exercise routine has been made available on the brand’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/Peak456.
Also speaking during the media launch, the President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), Dr. Bartholomew Brai stated that nutrition, especially in young children, must be taken as a very key component of their overall development and stated the need to ensure children ingest all the five basic food groups.
“We must ensure our children have an adequate diet by including all the five food groups in their diet every day. Dairy is a commonly overlooked food group, yet dairy contains essential nutrients that support your child’s mental and physical development” Brai said.
He urged government at all levels to prioritize nutrition by promoting a healthy eating culture among children while also commending FrieslandCampina WAMCO for the laudable Peak 456 programme.
FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC recommends children between the ages four to six years drink at least a glass of Peak 456 a day to support their physical and mental development.
About FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria
FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC has been a necessary part of most Nigerian homes since 1954 through its iconic brand Peak Milk. Our Company is a multinational manufacturing company and an affiliate of Royal FrieslandCampina of The Netherlands, one of the largest dairy cooperative in the world. We are the makers of Peak, Three Crowns and Friso brands of milk in Nigeria. Over the years, FrieslandCampina WAMCO has maintained leadership of the Evaporated milk market with its Peak brand. Guided by an inspiring mission, Nourishing Nigeria with quality dairy nutrition, we are unwavering in the provision of quality, nutritious milk products to Nigerians.
