Education
The Lagos State Government has renewed its commitment to partner with the Federal Government, private organizations and well-intentioned individuals to improve the well-being of schoolchildren through sustainable education and nutrition programmes.
State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance at the launch of the National Home School Feeding Programme, Renewed Hope, in Lagos on Tuesday.
Sanwo-Olu was represented by Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government.
He said the government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of nation-building.
The governor said the state welcomes partnerships that will improve the well-being of children, calling the breakfast initiative a show of love and care for students.
Sanwo-Olu said collective efforts are necessary to achieve meaningful development.
“That is why Lagos State will continue to partner with the Federal Government, individuals, private organizations, non-governmental organizations and anyone who wants to help our children live a better life.
“Nation building is not just a government responsibility. We do our best, but we welcome any genuine partnership that supports the progress of our children.
“Today’s program is not only about providing food, children are also receiving school bags and other educational materials.
“Our doors remain open to every organization, including the media, that wants to support the development of Lagos children because Governor Sanwo-Olu is running an inclusive government through THEMES Plus programme.”
The Manager of the National Home School Feeding Programme, Renewed Hope, Mrs. Aderemi Adebowale, has described Lagos as the ideal state to officially launch the initiative.
Adebowale said the program was designed to provide students with nutritious snacks and drinks before classes begin.
She said it was aimed at improving school attendance, student retention and learning outcomes.
“We have already conducted successful pre-launches in Kano and Abuja and after Lagos, we will move to states like Jigawa, Kano and Enugu at the invitation of governments.
“Children do not know political parties or colors. Our goal is to ensure that no child starts learning on an empty stomach,” she said.
She said the initiative will be implemented through a digital dashboard based on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) that will enable Nigerians in the diaspora, private organizations and philanthropists to sponsor breakfasts for schools.
She said the program complements the federal government’s existing National School Feeding Programme.
“The government will continue to provide a regular school feeding program while we mobilize the private sector, communities and development partners to provide breakfast before school starts.
“The food we serve to these children is the same food we can confidently eat ourselves. We would never give children anything we cannot eat.
“The goal is to encourage children to come to school early, stay in school, excel academically and become future doctors, lawyers, engineers, governors and even presidents,” Adebowale said.
The Chairman of Lagos Island Local Council Development Area (LCDA) East, Mr Muyibi Folawiyo, commended Sanwo-Olu for selecting the municipal area to launch the programme.
Folawiyo said the initiative would improve school attendance, punctuality and quality of learning among students in the area.
“This initiative will encourage students to come to school early because they know they will have nutritious snacks and drinks waiting for them before classes start.
“Our board fully supports this program and we will continue to work with organizers to ensure its success.
Folawiyo called on banks, insurance firms and other corporate organizations headquartered in Lagos Island to participate in schools in this initiative as part of their corporate social responsibilities.
“The government cannot do this alone. This is a call to all private organizations to join hands with the government and lay a strong foundation for the future of our children.
“The investments we make in these children today will determine the Nigeria we build tomorrow.
This program will enable children to focus on their studies and will discourage vices by ensuring they have proper nutrition while in school,” he said.
The program included the distribution of lunch boxes, school bags and learning materials to students, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the initiative would improve the learning outcomes and well-being of children across the country. (NAS)
Tags: Lagos Renewed Hope Breakfast