FG, Lagos launch feeding programme for schoolchildren to boost learning

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The Federal Government, in partnership with the Lagos State Government and the state’s 57 local government councils and local council development areas, on Tuesday launched the Adopt-a-School: Snacks for Thought – PBAT FEEDS initiative to provide nutritious breakfast meals for primary school pupils and improve learning outcomes.

The programme, introduced under the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, was officially inaugurated at the Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area secretariat, with simultaneous launches held across the three senatorial districts, 20 local government areas and 37 LCDAs.

Designed as a public-private partnership, the initiative seeks to mobilise support from corporate organisations, development partners, philanthropists and other stakeholders to improve child nutrition, school attendance and academic performance while reducing the number of out-of-school children.

Pupils at the launch received breakfast packs, school bags, tablets, snack boxes, water bottles, flasks, notebooks and other educational materials, as stakeholders expressed optimism that the programme would enhance classroom concentration and overall learning.

Speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described the initiative as an investment in the nation’s future, saying well-nourished children are better positioned to learn and contribute to national development.

Sanwo-Olu said the state would continue to collaborate with the Federal Government, private organisations, non-governmental organisations and other development partners to improve children’s welfare, stressing that nation-building requires collective responsibility rather than government efforts alone.

The National Programme Manager of the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, Princess Aderemi Adebowale, said Lagos was chosen for the official launch because of its leadership role, explaining that although pre-launch activities had earlier taken place in Kano and Abuja, the initiative would provide pupils with nutritious breakfast snacks and beverages before school to combat hunger and improve concentration.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Lagos Island East LCDA, Hon. Muibi Folawiyo, welcomed the choice of the council as the host for the official launch, expressing confidence that the programme would promote punctuality, increase school attendance and create a more conducive learning environment for primary school pupils across the state.