The Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding, Dr. Yetunde Adeniji has called for immediate action to enhance school feeding programs across Nigeria.
He was speaking at a two-day workshop held on June 27 and 28, 2024, in Abuja, which focused on adopting the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) continental guidelines.
The event underscored the vital role of nutrition in boosting educational outcomes and driving economic growth.
Dr. Adeniji’s address highlighted the need for robust leadership and collaboration between federal and state governments to ensure the success of these initiatives.
The event, themed “Encouraging State-Driven Implementation and Best Practices for School Feeding Towards Local Agricultural Value Chain, Community Engagement, and Economic Development,” highlighted the critical link between nutrition, education, and economic growth.
In her keynote address titled “Investing in Our Future: The Power of School Feeding Programs,” Dr. Adeniji emphasized the significant impact of the school feeding program on the cognitive development and academic performance of Nigerian children. “This program is not simply about providing meals; it’s about nurturing the minds of tomorrow’s leaders,” she remarked, underscoring the correlation between proper nutrition and enhanced learning outcomes.
Dr. Adeniji called for strong leadership and collaboration between federal and state governments, stressing that the program’s success hinges on the dedication of state focal persons and program managers. She praised these key individuals as the backbone of the initiative, acting as liaisons between the government, schools, and communities to ensure effective implementation.
The workshop also acknowledged the invaluable support of AUDA-NEPAD, whose partnership has been instrumental in the program’s progress. Dr. Adeniji expressed gratitude for their steadfast commitment to Nigeria’s development and urged continued collaboration to build a brighter future for Nigerian children.
Dr. Adeniji issued a call to action: “Let us join hands, leverage our expertise, and invest in our children’s future through the power of school feeding programs. The time to act is now!”
