Yetunde Adeniji, a senior special assistant to President Bola Tinubu on the school feeding programme, has said that the federal government is implementing new strategies to ensure the success and sustainability of the School Feeding Programme, as part of the reform ordered by the president.
Addressing participants at a two-day Strategic Stakeholders Meeting on “the Road Map to the Future Implementation of School Feeding Programme in Nigeria,” Adeniji stated that the current administration has assessed the initial commitments and national plans for the School Feeding Programme and identified areas for improvement.
Adeniji emphasized the importance of stakeholders embracing the government’s innovations and measures aimed at enhancing the programme’s implementation.
He said, “As we gather here, it is crucial to acknowledge the importance of school feeding programmes in Africa. These initiatives have a significant impact on the educational, nutritional, and overall development of children across the continent. However, Implementing and sustaining these programs can be quite challenging due to financial constraints and resource limitations
“That is why this meeting is of utmost importance. We have brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including governments, private businesses, non-profit organizations, and financial institutions.
“It is through our collective efforts and collaboration that we can find innovative solutions to address the funding gaps, leverage investments, and ensure the sustainability and scalability of school feeding programs in Africa.
“Today, we are here to explore the potential of Public-Private Partnerships as a viable solution to provide a unique opportunity for governments, private entities, and other stakeholders to come together, pool resources, and create sustainable funding models for school feeding programs. By combining the strengths and expertise of different sectors, we can achieve a far greater impact and change lives for the better.
“Throughout this meeting, we will have the privilege of hearing from esteemed speakers who all share their experiences, insights, and success stories in PPPs and innovative fintech. We will discuss the challenges faced, lessons learned, and the way forward for sustainable investments in school feeding programs.
“Together, we aim to chart a clear path towards securing financial support, ensuring accountability, and improving the quality and reach of these vital programs across Africa.”
He also said there was a need to find practical solutions that would tie off millions of children in Africa, ensuring they receive the nutrition they need to thrive and providing them with a strong foundation for their future.
Development Programme Manager at the World Bank Country Office, Nigeria, Olatunde Adekola spoke of the need to embrace knowledge sharing on the programme with stakeholders from other countries and pledged the support of the World Bank to the success of the programme.
Adekola called on the federal and state governments to develop an accountability framework for the programme to earn the trust and support of all stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to work towards achieving enduring impacts of the school feeding programme in the country.
The Deputy President of the Association of Private Schools Owners in Nigeria (APSON), Maryam Magaji appreciated President Tinubu for including private schools in the implementation of the School Feeding Programme.
The two-day stakeholders’ strategic meeting was organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on the school feeding programme to create an opportunity for all stakeholders to brainstorm for the success of the programme.