The Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on School Feeding, Dr. Yetunde Adeniji, disclosed that the School Feeding Program serves as an incentive for families to prioritize education. She noted that the program is instrumental in realizing the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dr. Adeniji made this statement while addressing an assembly at the Transitional Learning Center in Wassa. The gathering aimed to oversee and assess the critical school feeding program implemented in this displaced setting. It provided an opportunity to witness the efforts of organizations like Maple Leaf Early Years Foundation, in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons.
She emphasized the crucial roles that education and nutrition play in the comprehensive development of every child, regardless of their socio-economic circumstances. Initiatives like these, she affirmed, have the potential to bring about significant positive change in the lives of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to the nation’s welfare is highlighted by his Renewed Hope agenda. Within this framework, a vision is set for a Nigeria where every child has access to quality education and nutritious food, irrespective of their background or location. Dr. Adeniji elaborated that investing in today’s youth is a step toward a brighter, more prosperous future for the nation.
The school feeding program is pivotal in achieving this vision. In addition to addressing childhood nutrition, it encourages families to focus on education. Dr. Adeniji praised the program’s proven success in increasing school enrollment and attendance rates. This makes it a key player in enhancing educational opportunities, reducing hunger, and breaking the cycle of poverty.
The program’s enduring success depends not just on government action but also on the support from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Their dedication, expertise, and collaboration are invaluable assets in sustaining and expanding important initiatives like the school feeding program.
Dr. Adeniji urged CSOs nationwide to align with and support the Renewed Hope agenda initiated by the President. She encouraged them to collaborate with organizations such as Maple Leaf Early Years Foundation, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, and the government. Together, she believes, they can make a lasting positive impact on the lives of Nigeria’s youth. Her call echoed the sentiment that no child should be left behind and that every child deserves an opportunity to thrive and contribute to the nation’s growth.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Adeniji extended her gratitude to the Maple Leaf Early Years Foundation, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, as well as other CSOs like Plan, UNESCO, and various stakeholders for their steadfast commitment to education and nutrition. She ended her speech with a call for continued collaboration, innovation, and mutual encouragement as all parties move toward a future filled with hope and progress.