By Bunmi Yekini
Nollywood star and USAID Goodwill Ambassador for Nutrition, Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha, has announced her latest project, Beta Food, Beta Life, a nutrition-themed film aimed at combating malnutrition in Nigeria. The unveiling took place during a private screening at EbonyLife Cinema in Victoria Island, Lagos, drawing key figures from Nigeria’s creative sector, influencers, and representatives from the federal government.
Speaking at the red-carpet event, Chioma highlighted the film’s mission to inspire healthier dietary habits among Nigerian families and bring attention to maternal and child nutrition. “As a mother and storyteller, I understand the profound impact that nutrition has on the health and future of our children,” she said. “Through Beta Food, Beta Life, I want to use the power of film to spark conversations and inspire families to make healthier choices, even in the face of challenges. Partnering with USAID allows me to amplify this message and reach communities across Nigeria with the tools and information they need to build brighter, healthier futures for their children.”
The statistics behind this mission are alarming: over 3.6 million Nigerian children suffer from severe acute malnutrition annually, contributing to 50% of deaths among children under five. To address this, the USAID Advancing Nutrition Activity, in collaboration with the Nigerian government and organizations like Helen Keller International, invests in life-saving interventions, particularly within a child’s first 1,000 days of life.
USAID Mission Director Melissa Jones emphasized the importance of creative partnerships, saying, “The partnership with Chioma is a powerful example of how we can use creativity and collaboration to address complex challenges. Her ability to connect with audiences and share impactful stories brings a unique energy to our mission of improving nutrition in Nigeria. Together, we are working to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and lead a healthier life.”