The Presidency has called on state governments to take charge of the school feeding program, asserting that they are best positioned to lead this crucial initiative. This was emphasized by Dr. Yetunde Adeniji, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on the School Feeding Program, during a two-day training workshop in Abuja.
Advocating for State-Driven School Feeding Programs
In a bid to enhance the educational sector, Dr. Adeniji underscored the critical role state governments play in implementing the school feeding program effectively. The workshop, themed “Encouraging State-Driven Implementation and Best Practices for School Feeding Towards Local Agricultural Value Chain, Community Engagement, and Economic Development,” served as a platform to discuss the importance of state participation.
“We need to champion feeding children, especially from the states,” Dr. Adeniji stated. “Some states are feeding while others are not. The best people to drive this initiative are the program managers and state focal persons within the state.”
These focal persons, she explained, act as the backbone of the initiative, serving as liaisons between state governments, schools, and communities. Their role is crucial in ensuring effective implementation, fostering collaboration, and addressing any challenges that may arise during the process.
Building Synergy for Effective Implementation
Dr. Adeniji emphasized the necessity of a collaborative approach between the Federal Government and state governments. “The relationship for the program is between the Federal Government and the state government. It’s a synergy. One person cannot do it alone. We are here to synergize and come to terms with how to move forward,” she remarked.
She urged state program managers and focal officers to return to their states and convince their principals to start feeding children as a matter of urgency. “Our President reintroduced the school feeding program because of his love and commitment to the Nigerian child. He is passionate about our children, their education, and their general well-being,” Dr. Adeniji noted.
Participants at the workshop were expected to deliberate, synergize, and explore the best ways to implement the school feeding program across the country. Moreover, the goal was to ensure that state governments take the lead in this initiative, utilizing their unique positions and resources to drive the program effectively.
Investing in the Future of Nigerian Children
Dr. Adeniji stressed that the school feeding program is not just about providing meals but also about nurturing the minds of tomorrow’s leaders. “Studies consistently show that proper nutrition in children leads to increased cognitive function, improved attendance, and better academic performance,” she said. “By ensuring our children are well-nourished, we are investing in a brighter future for all.”
In addition, the workshop aimed to domesticate the African Union Development Agency and the New Partnership for African Development continental school feeding guidelines for Nigerian state officials. However, through this domestication process, participants were expected to develop strategies tailored to the unique needs and contexts of their respective states.
Source: Punch
