By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY, LAGOS – The Lagos State Government has officially flagged off the Adopt-A-School PBAT Feeds – Snacks for Thought initiative. The programme, which falls under the federal government’s Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, was unveiled on Tuesday at St. Thomas Anglican Nursery and Primary School in Badagry.
The initiative aims to improve child nutrition, drive school enrollment, and bolster classroom concentration for thousands of pupils across public primary schools in Lagos State.
Representing Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani Sule, emphasized that the initiative is more than just a meal programme it is a foundation for national development.
"The future of every society is shaped not only by what it builds today but by how well it nourishes the children who will build tomorrow," Governor Sanwo-Olu stated. He noted that the programme creates a virtuous cycle of development, where nourishing schoolchildren simultaneously empowers local farmers, food vendors, and small-scale business owners within the Badagry Division.
To ensure the programme’s long-term sustainability and credibility, Governor Sanwo-Olu also unveiled the Adopt-A-School Snacks for Thought Dashboard. This innovative digital platform allows private organizations, alumni associations, faith-based groups, and individual philanthropists to: Adopt specific schools for intervention. Monitor the delivery of nutritional support in real-time. Track the tangible impact of their contributions on pupil welfare.
The Governor called on the private sector to partner with the government, emphasizing that collective action is vital to securing a brighter educational future for every child in Lagos.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, the Council Manager, Mrs. Avoseh-Akwe Senami Oluwakemi, hailed the initiative as a major win for grassroots development.
"A hungry child cannot learn effectively. This initiative is an investment in the future of our children and our society," she noted. "Beyond improving nutrition and educational outcomes, it will also create opportunities for local farmers, food vendors, and small businesses, thereby strengthening our local economy."
The National Programme Manager of the Renewed Hope School Feeding Programme, represented by Mrs. Idowu Bukola, reiterated that the initiative is designed to stimulate the entire agricultural value chain, ensuring that children receive locally sourced, healthy meals.