Presidency has canvassed the support of the 36 state governments for the implementation of the school feeding programme.
The senior special assistant to the president on school feeding programme, Dr Yetunde Adeniji, called on state governments to support the initiative as part of the ongoing efforts to reposition the country’s educational sector.
Adeniji spoke in Abuja yesterday at the start of a two-day training workshop for the domestication of the AUDA-NEPAD Continental school feeding guidelines for Nigerian state officials themed: “Encouraging state -driven implementation and best practices for school feeding towards local Agricultural value chain, community engagement and economic development.”
She said participants at the parley will deliberate, explore synergies, and explore the best way forward for implementing the school feeding programme in the country.
The presidential aide described the focal persons as not only the backbone of the initiative in each state, but the liaisons between the state government, schools, and communities in ensuring effective programme implementation, fostering collaboration and addressing challenges that may arise.
She said, “We need to champion feeding children, especially from the states. Some states are feeding, while some are not. The best people to drive this initiative are the programme managers and the state focal persons within the state.
“They are in the best position to champion this initiative with their principals to ensure that principals get on board of the school feeding programme. That’s the reason why we are here.
“So that is the reason why we are here today to sit down with the state drivers to ensure that this feeding programme within the state comes to fruition.
“Our expectation is for us to chart a course for these program managers and focal officers to go back to their states and convince their principals to start feeding children as a matter of urgency.
“The relationship for the programme is between the federal government and the state government. It’s a synergy. One person cannot do it alone. That is why we are here. We are here to synergise and come to terms with how to move forward.
“Our president reintroduced the school feeding program to the nation because of his love and commitment to the Nigerian child. He is passionate about our children, their education and their general well-being. And that is why he’s committed to ensuring no stone is left unturned.
“This programme is not simply about providing meals. It’s about nurturing the minds of tomorrow’s leaders. Studies consistently show that proper nutrition in children leads to increased cognitive function, improved attendance, and better academic performance. By ensuring our children are well-nourished, we invest in a brighter future for all.”
