On Thursday, the Presidency urged the 36 states of the Federation to participate in the execution of the school feeding initiative.
Dr. Yetunde Adeniji, Senior Special Assistant to the President of the School Feeding Programme, made the request during his presentation at a two-day training programme for Nigerian state authorities on the domestication of the AUDA-NEPAD Continental school feeding guidelines.
The workshop, themed “Encouraging state-driven implementation and best practices for school feeding towards local agricultural value chain, community engagement, and economic development,” drew the attendance of stakeholders in the education sector across the country.
Adeniji, who reiterated the Federal Government’s intention to reposition the education sector, vowed that participants in the session would deliberate, synergize, and explore the best way forward on the implementation of the school feeding programme.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding Program told the gathering that focal persons remained the backbone of the feeding programme initiative being the liaisons between the state government, schools, and communities in ensuring effective programme implementation.
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 that are within the state.
“They are in the best position to champion this initiative with their principals to ensure that principals get on board with 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 programs managers and focal officers to go back to their states, and convince their principals to as a matter of urgency start to feed children.
“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 programme 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 are investing in a brighter future for all.”