The Chairman of Alimosho Local Government in Lagos State, Akinpelu Johnson, on Wednesday inaugurated the “Adopt a School: Snacks for Thought, PBAT Feeds” initiative to support school feeding programmes.

The event, held at the council secretariat, attracted pupils, teachers, parents and stakeholders committed to child nutrition and education.

The programme also featured the unveiling of the Adopt a School Dashboard.

The dashboard is a digital platform enabling individuals and organisations to support school feeding transparently and accountably.

Mr Johnson, represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Ismail Ajimotokan, commended the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, Lagos State Government and Conference 57.

He said the initiatives demonstrated a commitment to prioritising children in national development.

The chairman described hunger as a barrier to learning.

According to him, a child who attends school on an empty stomach is disadvantaged academically, emotionally and socially.

Mr Johnson said his administration believed that no child should be deprived of education because of hunger.

He said a well-fed child was healthier and better positioned to learn.

Addressing the pupils, the chairman urged them to remain disciplined and focused on their studies.

He encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity provided by the programme.

Mr Johnson also urged teachers and parents to continue nurturing the children with dedication, discipline and sound moral values.

The National Programme Manager of RH-NHGSFP, Aderemi Adebowale, described the event as the beginning of a movement.

According to her, food security and national security are inseparable.

She said that when children attended school hungry, their learning suffered, thereby undermining the nation’s human capital development.

Ms Adebowale said that nourishing children strengthened education, built productive citizens, grew the economy and secured the nation’s future.

She described the Adopt a School Dashboard as a groundbreaking initiative.

According to her, the platform enables citizens and organisations to contribute directly to school feeding with transparency and accountability.

Ms Adebowale said even small contributions could significantly impact a child’s educational journey.

She said such support could improve enrolment, participation and cognitive development.

The programme manager urged Nigerians to adopt schools in their communities.

She stressed that school feeding was not charity but a strategic investment in national development. 

(NAN)