The Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), in collaboration with the Onigbongbo LCDA, organized a training session for food vendors on food safety and hygiene. This two-day workshop brought together experienced facilitators and food safety experts from across the Institute, alongside council members of the Onigbongbo LCDA, led by the Executive Chairperson, Hon. Barr. Olufunke Rekiya Hassan, to educate food handlers in the LCDA on the importance of food safety.
The event was officially opened by Dr. Abimbola Folami (MoH, Onigbongbo LCDA), who introduced the members of the LCDA and emphasized the LCDA’s commitment to ensuring food handlers are health-compliant and safety-conscious, thus providing safe food to consumers. Dr. Folami highlighted that safe food saves lives and mentioned that the LCDA currently has a monitoring and enforcement unit dedicated to overseeing food handlers within the region.
The training commenced with a series of informative and engaging lectures on food safety and hygiene management. Mr. Mordi Jude (FNIFST, CFSN) delivered the first lecture on the benefits of food safety and hygiene. He underscored the importance of proper food handling, noting that poor practices could lead to foodborne illnesses, ranging from mild issues like diarrhea to life-threatening conditions.
In a follow-up lecture, Mrs. Jolaiya Funbi (PhD) emphasized the significance of food handlers’ testing and urged food establishment owners to ensure their staff undergo this essential testing.
On Day 1, Mrs. Taiwo Aaron-Ajagbe (NIFST Training Officer) took the opportunity to provide insights into NIFST and the organization’s activities. She emphasized that NIFST is keen to collaborate with government agencies, corporate organizations, and individuals at all levels to ensure the delivery of safe food to all.
The second day of the event saw Mrs. Kikelomo Amoreoluwa (Chairperson, NIFST Lagos Chapter) further emphasize the importance of food safety and hygiene. She provided practical advice on food handling, including the need for regular handwashing, ensuring food contact surfaces are cleaned and sanitized, proper food storage, and the avoidance of chemicals in food preservation or processing. Additionally, she stressed the importance of using clean, potable water during food preparation.
The event was a successful collaboration between the NIFST Lagos Chapter and the Onigbongbo LCDA. All stakeholders and food vendors present expressed satisfaction with the quality of the lectures, as well as the government’s continued support for food vendors.
NIFST Lagos Chapter Chair-person Mrs Kikelomo Amoreoluwa delivering a lecture on importance of proper hand washing.
Assistant National Secretary, Mr Rasaq Oke with NIFST Members.
NIFST Lagos Chapter food safety champions.
NIFSTers at the training.
Onigbongbo LCDA Chairman Hon. Barrr. Rekiya O. Hassan with council executives and NIFSTers at the event.
Cynthia Hans and OGUNJI, A.ONIFST, Lagos Chapter.
The training was well received by very enthusiastic food handlers, CDA delegates and Market Leaders . The take home for all attendees was the slogan : Food Safety is Everybody’s Business! Embracing Food Safety Culture by all food handlers, is the way to go !