By: Manoah Kikekon
The Executive Chairman of Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, has officially flagged off the "Adopt A School for Snacks 4 Thought – PBAT FEEDS!" initiative. The program, which benefited 500 pupils at the Local Authority Primary School, Mowo, is part of the broader Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.
The initiative, designed to provide nutritious breakfast snacks and beverages to primary school students, aims to address the challenge of learning poverty by ensuring that children arrive in class energized and ready to focus.
During the flag-off ceremony, Hon. Ajose emphasized that the program is more than just a meal service; it is a strategic investment in human capital. "This program is designed to improve school attendance, boost classroom concentration, promote better nutrition, and encourage enrollment in our public schools," he stated.
The Chairman took the opportunity to express his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing the welfare of Nigerian children through the "Renewed Hope" agenda. He also commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support of educational policies that foster development at the grassroots level.
While the government has spearheaded this pilot phase, Hon. Ajose issued a clarion call to the private sector. "I urge corporate organizations, philanthropists, and community leaders to embrace the 'Adopt A School' initiative by supporting schools with regular feeding programs," he noted, adding that such partnerships are vital for the program’s long-term sustainability.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Fowowe S. S., who represented the National Program Manager, Dr. Princess Aderemi Adebowale, reinforced the importance of the adoption model. He stressed that the initiative provides a transparent, digital platform through which individuals and businesses can directly contribute to the nutritional needs of schoolchildren.
The Olorunda LCDA Supervisor for Education, Hon. Afeez Bankole, lauded the Chairman’s collaborative spirit, noting that the initiative aligns perfectly with the council's commitment to child welfare.
According to Mrs. Idowu Onashile, the Head of the Department of Education in Olorunda LCDA, the distribution of snacks will continue throughout the week, with organizers optimistic that the consistent provision of meals will significantly improve attendance and participation across local schools.