The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), has flagged off the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, tagged “Snacks for Thought,” reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving the health, nutrition, and academic performance of pupils across the council.
The programme, organised under the PBAT FEEDS Initiative, was launched on Thursday at Anifowose Nursery and Primary School, Ikeja, bringing together government officials, education stakeholders, teachers, pupils and community leaders in support of the Federal Government’s drive to provide nutritious meals for school children.
AKOD described the initiative as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future, stressing that hungry children cannot learn effectively. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising child welfare through the Renewed Hope Agenda and praised Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for creating an enabling environment for the programme’s implementation in Lagos.
The council boss assured residents that the programme would be closely monitored to ensure strict hygiene standards and that every targeted pupil benefits from the initiative.
Speaking at the event, the National Programme Manager of the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, Dr. Princess Aderemi Adebowale, said the initiative is designed to complement meals provided by parents at home, ensuring children are well-nourished and better equipped for learning.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Supervisor for Education, Barr. Oluwapelumi Ologunde, described education as the greatest legacy, noting that “good food fuels good learning.”
He urged parents, teachers, community members and corporate organisations to support the programme, maintain high hygiene standards and strengthen Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives to sustain the project.
Pupils at the event expressed appreciation to the organisers and offered prayers for the success of the programme.
Among dignitaries present were Vice Chairman Hon. Abisola Omisore; Secretary to the Local Government Prince Adeyinka Illo; Supervisor for Agriculture and Social Services Comrade Tayo Aderinola; Supervisor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Hon Funmibi Akinduro; and other supervisors, Special Advisers, school administrators, teachers and pupils.
The Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme and the PBAT FEEDS Initiative aim to improve school enrolment, attendance, retention and learning outcomes by providing nutritious meals to pupils, while Ikeja Local Government reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Federal and Lagos State Governments to deliver people-centred programmes that advance education and child welfare.
