Chair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EZENWEANI, EMMANUEL CHIDI

MSc. Food and Industrial Microbiology

Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria.

Background 

Ezenweani Emmanuel Chidi is a Chemistry teacher and Coordinator of the Food Safety Club at Federal Government Girls’ College, Nkwelle-Ezunaka (Onitsha), Nigeria. He holds a Master’s degree in Food and Industrial Microbiology from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. He is passionate about food safety, public health, and science education, and is committed to promoting safe food handling practices among students and the wider community.
About the School
Federal Government Girls’ College, Nkwelle-Ezunaka (Onitsha), is a reputable secondary school in Nigeria known for academic excellence and holistic student development. The school provides a supportive environment that encourages leadership, innovation, and participation in extracurricular and scientific activities.
Food Safety Club
The GHI Food Safety Club at Federal Government Girls’ College, Nkwelle-Ezunaka (Onitsha), promotes awareness of food safety and public health among students. The club engages students through interactive activities such as seminars, outreach programs, quiz competitions, and the celebration of World Food Safety Day. It also provides opportunities for excursions to food industries, allowing members to experience real-life food safety practices.

Mission

The GHI Food Safety Club’s aims to build strong understanding of food safety and related food issues among school children and young consumers. It promotes best practices in food hygiene, safe food handling, consumer awareness, and regulatory understanding. Through education and community engagement, the Club supports the broader  goals of the Global Harmonization Initiative by advancing food safety awareness, education, advocacy, harmonized practices, and strengthening grassroots consumer protection.

Objectives

The GHI Food Safety Club brings together students, educators, food industry professionals, and community stakeholders to strengthen food safety knowledge and promote food safety education and encourage responsible food practices. Its focus areas include:

The Club focuses on the following areas:

  • Food safety
  • Food hygiene and safe handling practices
  • Consumer education and awareness
  • Food labelling and regulatory  understanding
  • Prevention of food fraud
  • Youth engagement in food safety advocacy
  • Industry exposure and experiential learning
  • Celebration of World Food Safety Day
  • Academic and research-driven food safety initiatives

The Clubs work to:

  • Share key food safety messages with students and the wider community.
  • Provide a platform for promoting  good hygiene and safe food handling practices within schools.
  • Organize annual World Food Safety Day celebrations and activities to raise awareness.
  • Host Food Safety Quiz Competitions to encourage student learning and participation
  • Arrange and organize educational visits to food industries to demonstrate to students practical, real world food safety systems.
  • Support local agri-food entrepreneurs in understanding food labelling regulations and requirements and preventing food fraud.
  • Promote accountability among food business operators regarding food quality and safety.
  • Establish additional Food Safety Clubs in more educational institutions within the region and globally.
  • Bridge knowledge gaps between food producers and consumers (e.g., students can see, touch, ask, and explain real food system practices).
  • Advocate for stronger food safety legislation and regulatory enforcement.
  • Strengthen grassroots capacity building for ready-to-eat food vendors, chefs, street food sellers, slaughterhouse operators, and butchers.
  • Collaborate with Global Harmonization Initiative professionals to develop evidence-based food safety initiatives.
  • Encourage youth involvement and participation in research, innovation, and long-term food safety development.

Meetings

Club meetings are held periodically (weekly) throughout the year.
Special meetings and activities take place during major events such as World Food Safety Day, quiz competitions, and industry excursions.