Presidency Targets 10m Pupils For School Feeding Programme

The Presidency has said the soon-to-be resuscitated National Homegrown School Feeding Programme will cater for over 10 million pupils across the country.

This was disclosed in a press statement, signed by Oyedokun Oyewumi of the office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on School Feeding.

The statement indicated that the SSA, Dr Yetunde Adeniji, gave the assurance during a visit to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp at the Transitional Learning Centre, Wassa, Abuja.

The presidential aide was at Wassa to inspect the school feeding programme sponsored by an NGO, Maple Leaf Early Years Foundation, in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons.

She added that the school programme would ensure that no child in each public school is left behind.

Adeniji, in the statement commended the programme at Wassa for its demonstrable success in bolstering school enrollment and attendance rates, saying that it is an instrumental force in the advancement of education, the alleviation of hunger, and the dismantling of the cycle of poverty.

She said the school feeding initiative under the president’s renewed hope agenda is targeting pupils from primary one to three across Nigeria.

According to her, the initiative resonates with the sentiment that every child deserves the opportunity to flourish and contribute to the nation’s development.

Adeniji commended the efforts of the organisation, saying it underscores the paramount importance of education and nutrition in the comprehensive development of every child, irrespective of their circumstances.

She affirmed that initiatives of this nature hold the power to effect substantial positive change in the lives of the most vulnerable citizens.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the nation is exemplified by the Renewed Hope agenda.

“Within this framework, a vision is cast for a Nigeria wherein every child enjoys access to quality education and nutritious sustenance, regardless of their background or geographical location. Dr. Adeniji articulated that by investing in the youth today, a brighter and more prosperous future is being forged for the nation”, she said.

While reiterating the objectives of the school feeding programme model, the SSA said the programme is aimed at increasing resilience, promoting equity, stimulating growth and poverty reduction.

“The school feeding programme stands as a transformative force in realizing the Renewed Hope vision. Beyond its immediate impact on addressing childhood nutrition, it serves as an incentive for families to prioritize education,” Adeniji said.