By Our Correspondent
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, describing the President as “very passionate” about ensuring that Nigerian children receive nutritious meals while in school.
Speaking during an engagement on the importance of child nutrition and education, the First Lady said the school feeding initiative remains one of the Federal Government’s key priorities because of its positive impact on children’s health, learning outcomes, and school enrolment.
According to her, President Tinubu believes that no child should be denied the opportunity to learn because of hunger. She noted that providing nutritious meals in schools not only encourages children to attend classes regularly but also improves their concentration, academic performance, and overall well-being.
Senator Tinubu explained that the administration views investment in children as an investment in the future of the nation. She stressed that strengthening the school feeding programme would help reduce classroom hunger, improve educational outcomes, and support vulnerable families across the country.
The First Lady further stated that the initiative also creates economic opportunities for local farmers, food vendors, and small-scale businesses by sourcing food items from communities where the programme is implemented. She noted that this approach stimulates local economies while ensuring fresh and nutritious meals are provided to pupils.
She called on state governments, development partners, traditional institutions, and other stakeholders to continue supporting programmes that promote child welfare, nutrition, and quality education, emphasizing that collective efforts are needed to secure a brighter future for Nigeria’s children.
The National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme has remained one of the Federal Government’s flagship social investment initiatives, designed to improve school attendance, reduce the number of out-of-school children, and enhance the nutritional status of pupils in public primary schools.
Education and nutrition experts have consistently maintained that school feeding programmes contribute significantly to improved learning outcomes, better classroom participation, and increased retention of pupils, particularly in underserved communities.
The First Lady reiterated that the Tinubu administration remains committed to implementing policies and programmes that place children at the centre of national development. She expressed confidence that sustained investment in education, healthcare, nutrition, and social protection would produce lasting benefits for future generations.
As the government continues to strengthen its social investment agenda, the First Lady assured Nigerians that the welfare of children will remain a top priority, reaffirming the administration’s determination to build a healthier, more educated, and more prosperous nation through strategic investments in the country’s young population.
