First Umami Seminar in Abuja | AJINOMOTO FOODS NIGERIA LTD.

WASCO launches the UMAMI Concept in Nigeria

On the 13th day of June 2012, WASCO in partnership with Umami Infornation Centre, Tokyo played host to Nigerian opinion Leaders on a seminar enlightenment at the capital city of Nigeria, Abuja with the theme ‘Ogiri, Daddawa, Iru & its rich Umami taste: The heart of our African Food taste and Cuisine’.

The objective of this seminar held at the Obudu Grill Restaurant of Sheraton Abuja Hotel is to promote the Umami concept as the Fifth basic taste and to provide a wider understanding of the rich Umami taste. Here are four key summary points to note

AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning has a unique taste called UMAMI.
Umami is the fifth basic taste. It is a universal taste along with sweet, bitter, sour and salty.
Umami is a savory taste enriched by AJI-NO-MOTO® monosodium glutamate. It is a taste that abounds in cuisines all over the world.
Glutamate (Umami substance) is present in most natural foods such as meat, tomatoes, seafood, vegetables, cheese and milk.

Resource persons at the event includes: Dr. John Prescott (Taste Matters Reasearch & Consulting Expert), Dr. Kumiko Ninomiya (Director, Non-Profit Organisation, Umami Information Centre, Tokyo), Dr. Eyassu Abegaz (Head Dept. of Food Science & Technology, Botswana College of Agriculture, Botswana), Prof. Abiodun Sanni (Microbiology Dept. University of Ibadan) and Prof. Rosemary Isu (Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Abuja).

It is no wonder then that the participants after experiencing the taste of the Aji-no-moto Umami Seasoning in the meals served during the presentation and cooking demonstration commended and congratulated the Ajinomoto Group for discovering the Umami taste as well their efforts at enlightening the general public.

The seminar had in attendance professionals and women opinion leaders like National Council of Women Societies, National Association for Women Entrepreneurs, Home Economics Teachers Association, National Center for Women Development, Market leaders, top government officials in charge of food safety and regulation, (NAFDAC, SON, MAN, AFBTE, CPC), Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, media, amongst other groups.

Chef Nicholas from Sheraton Abuja Hotel, Dr. Kumiko Ninomiya and Francisca Ikediashi during the preparation of Vegetable bouillon soup for Umami tasting by the participants

Dr. Eyassu Abegaz, an expert in MSG Safety Issues & Head Dept. of Food Science Technology, Botswana College of Agriculture making his presentation

Dr. Kumiko Ninomiya; Director Umami Information Centre, Tokyo making her presentation

EGM Sales Marketing, Mr. Olaolu Abiri (right) and other Guest with rapt attention at the presentation

Members of the Home Economics Teachers Association

Ajinomoto staff and their distinguished Resource persons at the Umami Seminar in Abuja

Another section of participants at lunch time

Prof. Sanni Abiodun; an expert in Traditional Fermented condiments from the Microbiology Department of the University of Ibadan making his presentation

Mr. Keiji Debari, Managing Director WASCO giving the welcome remarks

Prof. Rosemary Isu, Dean Faculty of Science, University of Abuja making her presentation

Mr. Abiri Olaolu, EGM Sales Marketing & CCR giving the vote of thanks

Francisca Ikediashi and Peter Nworah Corporate Communication Manager and coordinators of 2012 Umami Seminar in Nigeria

Group photograph with Top Government officials- NAFDAC, SON, CPC & Social Dev. Secretariat

Group photograph with members of Home Economics Teachers Association of Nigeria, Abuja

Group photograph with members of the National Council for Women Societies of Nigeria

Group photograph with Members of Utako Market Traders Association

Group photograph with the members of National Association for Women Entrepreneurs

Members of the National Council for Women Societies singing the Nigerian National Anthem

Participants helping themselves to a sumptuous Lunch at the Obudu Grill Restaurant

Mrs. Shontaye Eyassu Abegaz in the middle and members of National Centre for Women Development

Participants listening attentively to the presentation

Students from the catering school and other participants during the presentation

The Chairman and Members of Utako Market traders association listening carefully to the presentation

Women and WASCO Area controllers and Sales Managers behind listening to the Presentation