Nollywood star and USAID Goodwill Ambassador for Nutrition, Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha, has announced a new short film, ‘Beta Food, Beta Life,’ at an exclusive screening of ‘The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3’ held at EbonyLife Cinema, Victoria Island, Lagos. The short film, which highlights the importance of nutrition, aims to inspire Nigerian families to adopt healthier eating habits while addressing one of the country’s most urgent public health issues: malnutrition.
The exclusive event drew an impressive lineup of Nollywood stars, creative industry leaders, influencers, food bloggers, and government representatives, all united to tackle the nation’s escalating malnutrition crisis.
Malnutrition remains a significant public health threat in Nigeria, affecting millions of women, children, and adolescents. Each year, over 3.6 million children suffer from severe acute malnutrition, accounting for nearly half of all deaths among children under five. These dire statistics emphasise the need for innovative solutions, especially as challenges like climate change and economic instability further jeopardise food security.
The United States government, through its $35 million USAID Advancing Nutrition Activity, is working in partnership with the Nigerian government and organisations like Helen Keller International to combat malnutrition. This flagship program focuses on the first 1,000 days of a child’s life—a critical window for establishing lifelong health. By strengthening nutrition services, promoting healthy habits, and providing life-saving interventions, the initiative aims to reverse the malnutrition crisis.
Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha plays a pivotal role in advancing these efforts. As USAID’s Goodwill Ambassador for Nutrition, she uses her influence and storytelling skills to spotlight malnutrition and amplify the conversation around healthier lifestyles. Speaking at the event, she shared her vision for the project:
“As a mother and storyteller, I understand the profound impact that nutrition has on the health and future of our children. 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.”
Her remarks emphasised the transformative power of creative storytelling to drive social change. USAID Health Population & Nutrition Specialist Foyeke Oyedokun echoed this sentiment, saying:
“The partnership with Chioma is a powerful example of how creativity and collaboration can 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 every child has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and lead a healthier life.”
With ‘Beta Food, Beta Life,’ Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha is ready to use film to shine a spotlight on one of Nigeria’s most pressing issues and inspire action nationwide.
