The Lagos State government has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the federal government, private organisations and well-meaning individuals to improve the welfare of schoolchildren through sustainable education and nutrition programmes.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance at the inauguration of the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme breakfast initiative on Tuesday in Lagos.

Mr Sanwo-Olu was represented by the secretary to the  Lagos State government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin. 

He said that government alone could not shoulder the responsibility of nation-building.

The governor said the state welcomed partnerships that would enhance the wellbeing of children, describing the breakfast initiative as a demonstration of love and care for pupils.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said that collective efforts were essential to achieving meaningful development.

“That is why Lagos State will continue to partner with the federal government, individuals, private organisations, NGOs and everyone willing to help our children to live better lives. Nation-building is not the responsibility of government alone. We are doing our best, but we welcome every genuine partnership that supports the progress of our children.

“Today’s programme is not just about providing food. The children are also receiving schoolbags and other learning materials.

“Our doors remain open to every organisation, including the media that wants to support the development of Lagos children because Governor Sanwo-Olu runs an inclusive government under the THEMES Plus Agenda,” he said.

The National Programme Manager of the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, Aderemi Adebowale, described Lagos as the ideal state for the official launch of the initiative.

Ms Adebowale said the breakfast programme was designed to provide nutritious snacks and drinks for pupils before commencement of classes.

She said that it was aimed at improving school attendance, retention and learning outcomes.

“We have already conducted successful pre-launches in Kano and Abuja, and after Lagos, we will move to states such as Jigawa, Kano and Enugu as governments invite us.

“Children do not know political parties or colours. Our objective is to ensure that no child begins learning on an empty stomach,” she said.

She explained that the initiative would operate through a corporate social responsibility (CSR)-driven digital dashboard, enabling Nigerians in the diaspora, private organisations and philanthropists to sponsor breakfast meals for schools.

According to her, the platform complements the federal government’s existing National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.

“Government will continue providing the regular school feeding programme, while we are mobilising the private sector, communities and development partners to provide breakfast before classes begin.

“The food we serve these children is the same food we can confidently eat ourselves. We will never give children what we cannot eat.

“The goal is to encourage children to come to school early, remain in school, excel academically and become future doctors, lawyers, engineers, governors and even  presidents,” Ms Adebowale said.

The Chairman of Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Muyibi Folawiyo, thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for selecting the council area as the flag-off venue for the programme.

Mr Folawiyo said the initiative would boost school attendance, punctuality and learning among pupils in the area.

“This initiative will encourage pupils to come to school early because they know nutritious snacks and drinks await them before classes begin.

“Our council fully supports this programme and we will continue to cooperate with the organisers to ensure its success,” he said.

Mr Folawiyo urged banks, insurance firms and other corporate organisations with headquarters in Lagos Island to adopt schools under the initiative as part of their corporate social responsibilities.

“Government cannot do it alone. This is a call to all private organisations to join hands with government in laying a solid foundation for the future of our children. 

“The investment we make in these children today will determine the Nigeria we build tomorrow. This programme will keep children focused on learning and discourage vices by ensuring they receive proper nutrition while in school,” he said.

The programme featured distribution of breakfast packs, schoolbags and learning materials to pupils, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the initiative would strengthen educational outcomes and child welfare across the country. 

(NAN)