Some Lagos State council chairmen on Wednesday inaugurated the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.

This is contained in a statement by the councils’ Public Affairs Unit, which highlighted the importance of nutrition and education for pupils across the state.

At Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, the chairman, Usman Hamzat, said the initiative was a strategic investment in children’s health and education, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Mr Hamzat, represented by the Vice Chairman, Oluwatoyin Awoniyi-Akerele, at Iju-Ogundimu Primary School, said 500 pupils benefited from the programme.

According to him, hunger should not be a barrier to learning because well-nourished children are better positioned to learn and contribute to society.

He appreciated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Mr Tinubu for supporting the initiative.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Afeez Mustapha, urged Nigerians and organisations to adopt schools to support children’s nutrition and education.

According to him, the SDGs are global targets set by the United Nations to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all by 2030.

Mr Mustapha said the PBAT FEEDS Digital Dashboard was introduced to promote transparency, accountability and direct support for schools by partners.

In Agege Local Government, the chairman, Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, supervised the programme at Ahmed Memorial Primary School and Keke Primary School.

Mr Obasa said the initiative reflected his administration’s commitment to child welfare.

He stressed that education must be supported with proper nutrition to improve learning outcomes.

The Agege Education Secretary, Jannat Olokodana, urged pupils to remain focused, disciplined and committed to their studies.

She said the programme reinforced government’s resolve to promote healthy learning environments and improve educational outcomes through proper nutrition and regular school attendance.

At Community Primary School, Bioyin, the chairman of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA),  Oluyemisi Rosiji, also inaugurated the programme.

Ms Rosiji appreciated Mr Tinubu, describing the initiative as a practical intervention against hunger among schoolchildren.

She said the programme would also encourage better learning outcomes.

Ms Rosiji appealed to private organisations and philanthropists to support the initiative.

According to her, investing in children is an investment in Nigeria’s future.

In Orile-Agege LCDA, the chairman, Akinola Idowu, reaffirmed his commitment to improving the health, nutrition and educational outcomes of schoolchildren.

The ceremony, held at Anuoluwapo Primary School, Oyewole Road, attracted government officials, teachers, pupils and community leaders.

Mr Idowu, represented by the Vice Chairman, Wale Fayemi, reiterated the council’s support for programmes promoting children’s well-being and academic success.

He described the initiative as a significant investment in the future of Nigerian children.

According to him, a hungry child cannot concentrate effectively in class.

Mr Idowu appreciated Messrs Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu for prioritising the welfare of schoolchildren and supporting the programme’s implementation across Lagos State.

He assured residents that the LCDA would monitor implementation to ensure hygiene standards and guarantee that targeted pupils benefit from the initiative.

Also speaking, National Programme Manager of the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, Dr Aderemi Adebowale, spoke through her representative, Rahman Abosede.

Ms Adebowale said the initiative was designed to complement meals provided at home.

She said the programme would ensure that children are well nourished and able to learn effectively.

According to her, nutrition is essential for concentration and academic success. 

(NAN)