Samuel founded The Food and Genes Initiative to improve the lifestyles and wellbeing of those closest to him and their communities through three key pillars: substance abuse, malnutrition, and non-communicable diseases. Nigeria continues to have a high burden of drug abuse despite the country’s strict laws [1]. The Food and Genes Initiative utilises research and technology, both on and offline, to improve the health outcomes of both Nigerians and people across Africa, now partnering with more than 20 organisations across the continent.
Samuel attended the One Young World Summit in London, 2019, and immediately formed fruitful relationships with other Ambassadors, including Stephen Ogweno, Founder of the Stowelink Foundation. Since then, Samuel has remained active in the One Young World Community, with six Ambassadors speaking at his Impact Leaders Connect initiative.
In 2019, The Food and Genes Initiative facilitated the 365Days campaign, the largest campaign of its kind on substance misuse in Nigeria. The initiative has visited more than 70 schools, organised 10 street conferences, and educated over 50,000 young people through its in-person campaigns, in addition to maintaining a substantial online presence. It also partners with organisations involved in substance abuse treatment to provide a comprehensive approach in its target communities. Its work on malnutrition has impacted 5,000 people, while its campaigns on non-communicable diseases have reached 20,000 people and provided them with guidance on risk factors, self-care, and disease management. The Food and Genes Initiative recently worked with the David Folaranmi Foundation and the North-East Development Commission Nigeria to train 150 people, who in turn facilitate projects in their own communities advocating against substance misuse.
“I would say One Young World has helped me in terms of network, resources, access to knowledge and as a platform to share what I do. So, I am very grateful for that. For example, I have invited six speakers from One Young World to come and speak at the Impact Leaders Connect event, and One Young World partnered with us to spread information about the event publicly.”
