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The Ogun State Government has recorded another boost in its Renewed Hope agenda with the launch of a Home-Grown School Feeding programme targeted at 1,200 pupils across the three senatorial districts. The initiative, introduced on Monday in partnership with the non-governmental organisation Hello International, aims to improve nutrition, support learning and reduce hunger-related absenteeism among public primary school pupils. It is being implemented through the state’s expanding Public Private Partnership framework under Governor Dapo Abiodun.
At the launch event held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, the Ogun State First Lady and founder of the Ajose Foundation, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, described the feeding scheme as one of the most impactful interventions for children, women and vulnerable households. She explained that the programme has consistently helped to boost enrolment, sustain attendance and support better cognitive development in young learners. Mrs. Abiodun commended Hello International for aligning with the state’s education and welfare priorities. She also encouraged other private actors to support the Renewed Hope empowerment programmes and avoid actions that could undermine government efforts.
Representing the Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding, Dr. Yetunde Adeniji, the Presidency’s Consultant on Partnership, Mr. Adekunle Ade-Onajobi, expressed the Federal Government’s readiness to back Ogun State’s model. He described the initiative as a stand-out template for reducing poverty and supporting childhood development, adding that the Presidency would support credible partnerships focused on strengthening households and securing the future of Nigerian children.
The Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Evang. Olamilekan Ifede, urged food vendors and cooks engaged under the programme to maintain strict hygiene standards and provide meals that meet nutritional needs. He said their role is essential to ensuring the success of the feeding intervention.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Funmi Efuwape, praised the initiative as a practical example of corporate social responsibility. She encouraged more individuals and organisations to follow Hello International’s lead by contributing to child-focused interventions in the state.
The Founder and President of Hello International, Dr. Nkiruka Agbazue, stressed that the organisation is non-political and driven purely by a commitment to child development and household empowerment. She explained that children in Primary 1 to 3 were selected because they are at the foundation of intelligence. According to her, when a child arrives at school hungry, the brain is forced to choose between learning and survival, and survival will always come first. She said this is why the organisation stepped in and is ready to fund the programme independently.
State Programme Manager, Mrs. Olayinka Akinlade, announced that 400 pupils will benefit from each senatorial district, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 1,200 for the entire school session.
