Osun renews commitment to school feeding programme

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has renewed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the O-Meal School Feeding Program...

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has renewed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the O-Meal School Feeding Programme, which began in 2006.

The governor also appealed to stakeholders and development partners for increased support, emphasising the importance of improving the nutritional health status of school pupils across the state.

In a statement on Thursday by the governor’s spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke made the call during a stakeholders’ conference held in Abuja on Wednesday, themed: “Sustainability of O-Meal for Improved Children Nutrition in Osun State Homegrown School Feeding Programme.”

The programme, implemented in partnership with the Osun State Government and the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development, is aimed at enhancing child nutrition through homegrown food initiatives.

Represented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development, Professor Abdulmaruf Adeleke, the governor reaffirmed that, beyond creating a conducive learning environment, sustaining the programme is essential for nurturing well-fed children, thereby securing a healthier and more promising future for the state.

Despite the current challenge of rising food inflation, Governor Adeleke said the programme—having reached thousands of children over the years—continues to scale up its efforts.

He therefore urged development partners, donor agencies, and philanthropists to collaborate with the state government in its drive to empower and develop Osun children.

“The sustainability of O-Meal provides an opportunity to invest in the lives of children, women, and others in the state. Every financial or technical contribution directly impacts children, fosters a more equitable society, and helps define a roadmap for sustainability and development,” he said.

Attendees at the event included representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA); Princess Barry-Chukwu of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP); officials from AUDA-NEPAD; Deputy Heads of Mission from the embassies of Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates; technocrats; private sector players; and other development partners.

Also present were the Senior Special Assistant to the President on the Renewed Hope National Homegrown Feeding Programme, Mrs. Yetunde Adeniji; Adaku Ekpo of the UN World Food Programme; the National Convenor, United Nations Food Systems; and Dr. Sanjo Faniran of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

Speaking on behalf of AUDA-NEPAD’s CEO, Agymi Abubakar, commended Osun’s commitment to the Homegrown School Feeding Programme, which has led to increased school enrollment and a healthier, more productive workforce.

“O-Meal is a direct, impactful translation of national priorities. We are not only addressing immediate hunger but also enhancing school attendance and educational outcomes. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s focus on human capital development and food security aligns with the first aspiration of Agenda 2063—’A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth’,” Abubakar noted.

He further advocated stronger partnerships with the private sector and consistent budgetary allocations to maximise the programme’s health and economic benefits.

“At AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, we remain committed to supporting initiatives like Osun’s, which create a virtuous cycle of nutritional improvement and economic upliftment,” he added.

In her opening remarks, the State Commissioner for Federal Affairs, Chief Mrs. Nike Adeleke, described the event as a celebration of Osun’s homegrown success story and stressed the need to scale and sustain the programme.

“Since its inception in 2006, the O-Meal programme has stood as a beacon of consistency and innovation, making Osun the only sub-national in Nigeria to have maintained an uninterrupted and structured school feeding initiative. The programme currently benefits over 200,000 children directly,” she said.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).