The Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology [NIFST]- Lagos Chapter commemorates the 2024 World Food Safety Day with plethora of advocacy events.

The Lagos Chapter of the Institute had a-week-long of events which commenced with members representing the institute in various media outlets (TV, Radio stations, podcasts studios, etc) on food safety advocacy on this year’s theme: “Preparing for the unexpected”. In collaboration with government agencies [ Lagos State Ministry of health, Safety Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, etc ] and other professional institutes like the Nigerian Society of Engineers (Ota branch), street food safety campaigns were delivered on market visit to Ile Epo, Oke Odo Market (Lagos State), and Atan Market (Ogun State). It was a fantastic time connecting with the community and market vendors and stakeholders sharing important tips on safe food handling, and highlighting the crucial role of food safety in everyday life.

As part of the 2024 World Food Safety Day events, Mrs. Kikelomo Amoreoluwa, Vice-Chairman of the NIFST-Lagos Chapter, and Mrs. Alaba Idowu from the Street Food Safety Committee appeared on FAAJI FM 106.5 providing educating discussion to the public and food handlers about how to prepare for unexpected food safety issues.

The commemoration was rounded up by a food safety webinar with large attendance of food vendors, market traders, food professionals as participants. The webinar was graced with two seasonal speakers Mr. Joseph Awesu [Founder, Food Doctors Ltd] and Mr. Kemi Sulaimon [ Director of Lagos State Waste Management Authority ], who presented key topics on reducing food safety risks and leveraging on food waste reduction to prepare for the unexpected which were moderated by Mrs. Tolulope Ojo [Lecturer, Lagos State University of Science and Technology].

Special recognition of the Chairperson of NIFST- Lagos Street Foods Safety Initiative Mrs Yetunde Popoola for her leadership in coordinating the 2024 World Food Safety Day, without leaving behind the support of the Chairman, Mr Olugbenga Aina and the entire member(s) of NIFST- Lagos Chapter.

Compiled by: Okeke, Ifeoma Vivian and Ifedayo Emmanuel.