Professional Summary

Food Safety and Quality Control professional with over 8 years of comprehensive experience in culinary operations, food safety management, and quality assurance systems. Specialization in mycotoxin contamination assessment, food safety protocols, and agricultural product quality control. Proven track record of implementing HACCP systems, conducting food safety audits, and ensuring compliance with international food safety standards.

Academic Background

Higher National Diploma in Food Technology (DISTINCTION)
2014-2016 | Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria
Specialized Focus: Food Safety, Agricultural Product Processing and Quality Control

High School Certificate (NECO)
2008-2014 | Prospect High School, Abania, Ibadan, Nigeria
Area: Sciences with emphasis on Chemistry, Biology and Agricultural Sciences

Professional Experience

Food Safety and Quality Control Manager
2022-Present | Prime Comfort Care Home, Lagos, Nigeria

• Leadership of comprehensive food safety program for healthcare facility with 150+ residents
• Development and implementation of advanced HACCP systems with zero incidents in 24 months
• Conducting systematic mycotoxin contamination assessments in basic foods
• Management of supplier quality assurance programs
• Training and supervision of culinary team of 15 members
• Food safety research in tropical climates with focus on aflatoxin prevention

Senior Chef and Food Safety Coordinator
2018-2022 | DaracityFood Nigeria Enterprise, Lagos, Nigeria

• Management of food preparation operations with robust food safety systems
• Development of innovative cooking techniques, reducing food waste by 25%
• Implementation of advanced inventory management systems with attention to mycotoxin-prone products
• Collaboration with agricultural suppliers to establish quality specifications

Professional Certifications

• 2025 - HACCP Certification – International Food Safety Standards
• 2022 - Food Safety Management Systems – Advanced Level
• 2023 - Mycotoxin Detection and Analysis – Professional Development Course
• 2022 - Supply Chain Quality Management – Industrial Certification
• 2021 - Leadership in Food Service Operations – Management Training

Areas of Expertise

• Food Safety and Quality Assurance
• Mycotoxin Detection and Risk Assessment
• HACCP Implementation
• Agricultural Product Safety
• Food Chemistry and Microbiology
• Regulatory Compliance
• Team Leadership and Training
• Supply Chain Quality Management
• Food Safety Auditing
• Statistical Analysis and Research
• International Food Standards
• Risk Mitigation Strategies

Research Activities

Research Project: "Production, Chemical Analysis and Sensory Evaluation of Wine from Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa)"

Period: 2015-2016

Objectives:

• Investigate the feasibility of producing quality wine from Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces
• Conduct proximate and phytochemical analysis to determine nutrient and bioactive components
• Evaluate physicochemical properties such as pH, sugar content, alcohol yield, and acidity
• Perform sensory evaluation to assess consumer acceptability in terms of taste, color, and aroma

Technical Skills

• Mycotoxin detection methods
• Food chemistry analysis
• Microbiological testing
• HACCP implementation
• ISO 22000
• Food safety auditing
• Risk assessment
• Statistical analysis software
• Quality management systems
• Data documentation tools

Awards and Recognition

• 2023, 2024 - Team Excellence Award – Prime Comfort Care Home Outstanding Leadership
• 2016 - Graduation with Distinction - Federal Polytechnic, Offa

Key Professional Achievements

• Zero Food Safety Incidents – Maintained perfect safety record throughout 8 years of professional experience
• 40% Reduction in Contamination Risk – Implemented systematic mycotoxin prevention program
• Operational Efficiency Improvement – Achieved 30% productivity increase through innovative quality systems
• Supplier Quality Enhancement – Established rigorous testing protocols adopted by 12 agricultural suppliers

Professional Summary

Experienced HR professional with over 7 years in healthcare human resources management. Specializes in talent acquisition, employee relations, and organizational development. Proven track record of implementing effective HR strategies that improve employee satisfaction and organizational performance.

Education

Master of Business Administration (Human Resources)
2015-2017 | University of Lagos, Nigeria

Bachelor of Science in Psychology
2010-2014 | Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Professional Experience

Human Resources Manager
2019-Present | Prime Comfort Care Home, Lagos, Nigeria

• Develop and implement HR strategies and initiatives aligned with the overall business strategy
• Bridge management and employee relations by addressing demands, grievances, or other issues
• Manage recruitment and selection process for all positions within the organization
• Support current and future business needs through the development, engagement, motivation, and preservation of human capital
• Develop and monitor overall HR strategies, systems, tactics, and procedures across the organization
• Oversee and manage a performance appraisal system that drives high performance

HR Specialist
2017-2019 | Metro Healthcare Group, Lagos, Nigeria

• Managed employee onboarding, development, needs assessment, and training
• Maintained pay plan and benefits program
• Assessed training needs to apply and monitor training programs
• Reported to management and provided decision support through HR metrics
• Ensured legal compliance throughout human resource management

Professional Certifications

• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification
• Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP)
• Strategic Human Resources Leadership Certificate
• Healthcare HR Professional Certification

Areas of Expertise

• Talent Acquisition and Management
• Employee Relations
• Performance Management
• Compensation and Benefits
• HR Policy Development
• Organizational Development
• Training and Development
• HR Compliance and Legal Issues
• Workforce Planning
• Succession Planning

Key Achievements

• Reduced employee turnover by 25% through improved engagement strategies
• Implemented a new performance management system that increased productivity by 15%
• Developed and launched a comprehensive training program for all staff levels
• Streamlined recruitment process, reducing time-to-hire by 30%
• Successfully managed HR aspects of organizational restructuring

Professional Summary

Seasoned operations manager with 10+ years in healthcare facility management. Expertise in process optimization, resource allocation, and quality assurance. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive operational excellence in healthcare settings.

Education

Master of Health Administration
2012-2014 | University of Ibadan, Nigeria

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
2007-2011 | University of Lagos, Nigeria

Professional Experience

Operational Manager
2017-Present | Prime Comfort Care Home, Lagos, Nigeria

• Oversee daily operations of the care home facility
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures
• Manage facility budget and resource allocation
• Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and standards
• Coordinate with medical staff to optimize patient care processes
• Implement quality improvement initiatives
• Manage vendor relationships and contracts
• Lead and supervise operational staff

Assistant Operations Manager
2014-2017 | Royal Care Medical Center, Lagos, Nigeria

• Assisted in managing daily facility operations
• Developed and maintained operational reports
• Coordinated with department heads to improve workflow efficiency
• Participated in budget planning and monitoring
• Supported implementation of new operational systems

Professional Certifications

• Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
• Healthcare Quality Professional Certification

Areas of Expertise

• Healthcare Operations Management
• Process Improvement
• Budget Management
• Quality Assurance
• Regulatory Compliance
• Staff Management and Development
• Strategic Planning
• Facility Management
• Vendor Management
• Risk Management

Key Achievements

• Improved operational efficiency by 20% through process optimization
• Reduced operational costs by 15% while maintaining quality standards
• Successfully led facility through accreditation process
• Implemented new electronic health record system
• Developed and executed emergency preparedness plan
• Improved patient satisfaction scores by 25%

Aging is accompanied by physiological, metabolic, and psychological changes that directly influence nutritional needs. Research highlights the critical role of balanced nutrition in maintaining physical function, cognitive health, and overall well-being in older adults. Understanding these unique requirements allows for targeted dietary strategies that improve quality of life. At Prime Comfort Care Home, nutrition is considered a vital component of holistic senior care.

Energy Balance: Studies confirm that older adults often require fewer calories due to lower basal metabolic rate and reduced activity, yet their micronutrient demands remain high. This creates the challenge of nutrient-dense diets with controlled caloric intake.

Protein and Muscle Health: Research emphasizes protein intake of 1.0–1.2 g/kg body weight per day to counteract sarcopenia and preserve mobility. High-quality proteins from animal and plant sources are essential.

Hydration and Fluid Balance: Age-related decline in thirst perception increases dehydration risk. Evidence suggests structured hydration practices improve cognitive function and cardiovascular health in seniors.

Key Nutrients Identified in Aging Research

Calcium and Vitamin D: Clinical data confirm their role in bone strength and fracture prevention. Dietary sources and supplementation are often required for adequacy.

Vitamin B12: Age-related malabsorption is well documented, with deficiency linked to neurological decline. Fortified foods and supplements remain critical solutions.

Dietary Fiber: Strongly associated with improved gut health, reduced constipation, and better glycemic control. Whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and cereals are recommended.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Research links these nutrients to reduced inflammation, improved cardiovascular outcomes, and neuroprotection, primarily sourced from fatty fish and seeds.

Challenges in Senior Nutrition and Research Solutions

Reduced Appetite: Clinical findings suggest smaller, nutrient-rich meals improve intake in seniors experiencing anorexia of aging.

Oral Health Limitations: Dental issues can restrict diet variety. Modified textures and fortified soft foods ensure nutrient adequacy.

Polypharmacy: Multiple medications can impair nutrient absorption or appetite. Regular nutritional monitoring helps address these interactions.

Dysphagia: Research supports individualized texture modification and use of thickeners to ensure safety and adequate nutrition in seniors with swallowing difficulties.

Our Evidence-Based Approach at Prime Comfort

At Prime Comfort Care Home, we integrate research findings into practice by implementing:

• Customized meal planning informed by clinical evidence
• Routine nutritional screening and risk assessment
• Specialized diets tailored for chronic conditions
• Appealing food presentation to enhance appetite
• Group dining interventions to support social well-being

While physical health often takes center stage in elderly care, mental and emotional well-being are equally vital components of overall health. At Prime Comfort Care Home, we recognize that true wellness encompasses mind, body, and spirit. This comprehensive approach ensures our residents not only live longer but enjoy richer, more meaningful lives.

The Importance of Mental Wellness in Aging

Mental health significantly impacts physical health, quality of life, and even longevity. Seniors with good mental health tend to have stronger immune systems, better physical function, and lower risk of chronic diseases. Conversely, poor mental health can exacerbate physical ailments and reduce life satisfaction.

Common mental health challenges in seniors include depression, anxiety, loneliness, and cognitive decline. Recognizing and addressing these issues is fundamental to providing holistic care.

Strategies for Promoting Mental Wellness

Social Connection: Regular social interaction is crucial for mental health. We facilitate various group activities, shared meals, and community events to combat isolation.

Cognitive Stimulation: Activities like puzzles, reading groups, and memory games help maintain cognitive function and mental agility.

Purpose and Meaning: Helping seniors find purpose through volunteering, mentoring, or pursuing hobbies contributes significantly to mental well-being.

Physical Activity: Regular exercise not only benefits physical health but also releases endorphins that improve mood and reduce stress.

Addressing Specific Mental Health Concerns

Depression: We provide compassionate support, counseling services, and when appropriate, medication management under medical supervision.

Anxiety: Relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and creating predictable routines can significantly reduce anxiety.

Loneliness: Our community-focused approach ensures residents have ample opportunities for meaningful connections.

Cognitive Decline: While some cognitive changes are normal with aging, we implement strategies to support memory and cognitive function.

Our Holistic Approach at Prime Comfort

At Prime Comfort Care Home, mental wellness is integrated into every aspect of our care:

• Regular mental health assessments by qualified professionals
• Therapeutic activities designed to promote cognitive and emotional health
• Beautiful, calming environments that reduce stress and promote peace
• Opportunities for spiritual practice and reflection
• Family involvement and support programs
• Access to counseling and psychological services

In Nigeria's agricultural sector, food safety often breaks down long before products reach institutional kitchens or consumer tables. The challenge isn't just about what happens in our facilities—it's about what happens in fields, storage barns, and transport vehicles across the supply chain. After years of managing food safety in healthcare settings, I realized we needed a fundamentally different approach to working with agricultural suppliers.

The Problem We Faced

When I started as Food Safety Manager at Prime Comfort Care Home, our supplier management consisted mainly of visual inspections at delivery and hoping for the best. We'd reject obviously moldy maize or discolored groundnuts, but we had no systematic way to prevent contamination upstream. Our rejection rates were high—sometimes 15–20%—which hurt both our budget and our suppliers' livelihoods.

More concerning was what we couldn't see. Mycotoxins don't always produce visible mold, especially in early stages of contamination. We were essentially gambling with food safety every time we accepted a delivery, relying on luck rather than data.

The traditional approach of simply rejecting substandard products wasn't working. Suppliers had limited understanding of why their products were rejected, no guidance on improvement, and little incentive to invest in better practices. We needed something different.

Developing a Systematic Framework

In 2022, I developed a comprehensive supplier assessment framework based on a simple principle: partnership over punishment. Rather than just evaluating suppliers to reject the bad ones, we would assess them to help everyone improve.

The framework evaluates suppliers across six critical domains, each directly linked to mycotoxin risk and overall food safety:

1. Production Practices (20% of total score)

This covers everything happening in the field. We assess irrigation, pest control, harvest timing, and farmer awareness of crop stress and mycotoxin risk.

2. Post-Harvest Handling (25%)

The highest weighting. We evaluate drying methods, moisture content, threshing, shelling, and bagging. Proper drying within 48–72 hours of harvest is critical.

3. Storage Infrastructure (20%)

Storage requires good ventilation, pest exclusion, and inventory rotation. Even traditional storage can work with modifications like raised platforms and sealed containers.

4. Quality Testing Capacity (15%)

Tiered requirements: from affordable moisture meters to periodic lab testing to advanced mycotoxin analysis. The key is consistent commitment to verification.

5. Documentation Systems (10%)

Traceability is essential for rapid response. For small suppliers, simple harvest logs suffice. Larger ones need batch IDs and digital records.

6. Continuous Improvement Commitment (10%)

We measure willingness to learn, apply feedback, and improve over time—not just current scores.

How We Implement the Framework

Assessment happens in three phases:

• Initial Baseline Assessment: Facility visits, interviews, documentation review, and scorecards.
• Development Planning: Supplier meetings to review findings, create action plans, and identify support.
• Quarterly Follow-up: Abbreviated progress checks and annual comprehensive reassessments.

Real Results

• Quality Metrics: Average supplier scores rose from 58% to 81%; rejection rates dropped to under 3%; contamination incidents decreased 60%.
• Supplier Capability: 8 suppliers now test moisture routinely; 4 established lab relationships; all 12 maintain basic traceability.
• Economic Impact: Procurement costs decreased 12%; suppliers gained income stability and new premium markets.

Lessons Learned

Partnership works better than punishment. Start where suppliers are, invest in education, celebrate progress, and adapt to local realities.

Broader Applicability

Though developed for healthcare food service, the framework applies broadly. Institutions in Lagos and even NAFDAC are considering it.

Looking Forward

My proposed graduate research in Brazil will explore how Brazilian practices can inform Nigerian improvements. Scaling industry-wide with government support is key.

Conclusion

Food safety begins on farms, not in kitchens. By investing in supplier assessment and development, we improve food safety, reduce costs, raise farmer incomes, and strengthen agriculture systems. The framework isn't revolutionary—but systematic implementation and partnership orientation make it work.

Abiodun Temitope Babayode is Food Safety and Quality Control Manager at Prime Comfort Care Home in Lagos, Nigeria. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Food Technology and has over eight years of experience in food safety management.