The Federal Government has revealed its plans to revive the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme, with the objective of catering to more than 10 million pupils across Nigeria. This announcement was made by Dr Yetunde Adeniji, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on the school feeding programme.
During her visit to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp at the Transitional Learning Centre in Wassa, Abuja, Adeniji emphasized that the school feeding programme would leave no child in public school behind. She commended the success of the programme at Wassa, which is sponsored by the Maple Leaf Early Years Foundation, and works in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons.
Adeniji stressed the importance of the school feeding programme in bolstering school enrolment and attendance rates, in addition to its contribution towards advancing education, addressing hunger, and breaking the cycle of poverty. She explained that this initiative, which is part of President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, targets pupils from primary one to three throughout the country.
The Senior Special Assistant highlighted the significance of providing every child with the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the development of the nation. She applauded the efforts of the organization, emphasizing the crucial role of education and nutrition in the holistic development of children, regardless of their circumstances. Adeniji expressed her belief that initiatives such as this have the power to bring about positive change in the lives of the most vulnerable citizens.
Adeniji further explained that small-holder farmers will be engaged to supply foodstuff for the school feeding programme once it commences. She reiterated the objectives of the programme, which include promoting resilience, equity, and stimulating poverty reduction and economic growth.
“The school feeding programme serves as a transformative force in realizing the Renewed Hope vision. It not only addresses childhood nutrition but also acts as an incentive for families to prioritize education,” Adeniji emphasized.
By investing in children today, a brighter and more prosperous future is being forged for the nation, she added.
