By Doris Obinna
Nutrition experts, senior government officials, healthcare professionals, regulators, development partners and industry stakeholders have launched the Choose Milk Campaign, a national initiative aimed at promoting consumer education on the nutritional benefits of dairy milk and helping Nigerians distinguish between real milk and creamers.
The campaign was officially unveiled at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, by stakeholders from the Danish Dairy Board and the European Union in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Livestock Development.
Speaking, Senior Project Manager, the Danish Dairy Board, Mr. Lars Jensen, said the initiative was designed to address misconceptions about dairy products and educate consumers on the nutritional differences between dairy milk and creamers commonly sold in the market.
According to him, many consumers are unaware that creamers do not provide the same nutritional value as dairy milk. “Not all products marketed within the dairy category deliver the same nutritional value. It is important for consumers to understand that creamers do not offer the key nutrients found in dairy milk. This campaign is about clarity, transparency and better health outcomes,” Jensen said.
He added that the campaign would focus on grassroots engagement through schools, communities and nutrition advocates to drive long-term behavioural change.
On her part, Danish Consul General to Nigeria, Ms. Jette Bjerrum, stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to improve nutrition awareness and health outcomes in the country.
She noted that partnerships involving governments, healthcare institutions, development organisations and responsible industry players were essential for sustainable progress in nutrition education and dairy sector development.
In his remarks, Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, commended the initiative and said it aligned with the Federal Government’s efforts to improve national nutrition and strengthen the dairy sector. “This ‘Choose Milk’ campaign strongly aligns with the Ministry’s objectives to improve national nutrition, promote sustainable dairy consumption and strengthen the local dairy value chain,” the minister said.
He added that encouraging Nigerians to prioritise dairy milk would contribute to building a healthier and more food-secure nation.
Director and Head of Food and Drug Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs. Adeola Olufowobi-Yusuf, described the campaign as timely, noting that it supported the Federal Government’s broader efforts to tackle malnutrition and improve nutrition outcomes nationwide.
She said many consumers were faced with numerous food choices and conflicting information about nutrition, making education and awareness increasingly important.
“People must understand what to consume, why it matters and how it contributes to their health and well-being. Campaigns like this help bridge the nutrition literacy gap by empowering consumers with accurate information that enables them to make informed dietary choices for themselves and their families,” she said.
Other dignitaries included: Deputy Director and Head of Nutrition at Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mrs. Victoria Nsofor; actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele and Paediatrician Dr. Ayodele Renner, popularly known as Noisy Naija Paediatrician and representative from National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
According to the organisers, the Choose Milk campaign would run for three years and would include community outreach programmes, school education sessions, social media engagements, television and radio campaigns, as well as other public awareness activities aimed at promoting healthier nutritional choices among Nigerians.
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