Lagos, Federal Government Launch School Breakfast Programme for Primary Pupils

The Lagos State Government and the Federal Government have launched the Adopt-a-School: Snacks for Thought – PBAT FEEDS initiative to provide healthy breakfast meals for primary school pupils.

The programme, launched on Tuesday at the Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area (LCDA), is part of the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme. It aims to improve school attendance, help pupils concentrate in class and boost their academic performance.

Speaking at the event, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described the programme as an investment in the future of Nigerian children.

She said the Lagos State Government would continue to work with the Federal Government, private organisations, development partners and other well-meaning Nigerians to improve the welfare of schoolchildren.

According to her, government cannot meet all the needs of the people alone, adding that partnerships are important for the country's development.

She also said the programme goes beyond providing food, as pupils will receive school bags, tablets, snack boxes, water bottles, flasks, notebooks and other learning materials.

The National Programme Manager of the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, Princess Aderemi Adebowale, said Lagos was chosen for the official launch because of its leadership role.

She explained that the initiative would provide breakfast snacks and drinks to pupils before classes begin to reduce hunger, improve concentration, increase attendance and support better learning.

Adebowale said the programme would use a digital platform that allows individuals, Nigerians living abroad, companies, faith-based organisations and philanthropists to sponsor breakfast meals for schools as part of their corporate social responsibility.

She added that the new initiative would support, not replace, the Federal Government's existing school feeding programme.

Chairman of Lagos Island East LCDA, Mr Muibi Folawiyo, praised both the Lagos State and Federal Governments for choosing the council for the launch.

He said the programme would encourage pupils to arrive at school early, improve attendance and create a better learning environment.

Folawiyo also urged banks, insurance companies, religious groups and other organisations to adopt schools in their communities and support the initiative.

During the event, pupils received breakfast packs, school bags, tablets, snack boxes, water bottles, flasks, notebooks and other educational materials.

Stakeholders expressed confidence that the programme would improve child nutrition, strengthen learning and help reduce the number of out-of-school children across Nigeria.