AYODELE OLALERE
Hon. Segun Odunmbaku, the Executive Chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, has launched the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s PBAT FEEDS nationwide feeding programme for 500 pupils in Ojodu Primary School.
While the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, kicked off the statewide implementation of the programme at the Lagos Island East Local Government, Odunmbaku joined other 56 council chairmen to roll out the programme in their respective local councils.
The programme, tagged ‘Adopt A School Snacks for Thought PBAT FEEDS’ under the Renewed Hope National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (RH-NHGSFP) in partnership with private sector, was targeted at feeding 500 primary school pupils in one school from each local government for three days. A total of 30,000 pupils are targeted across Lagos State.
The initiative ensures that children receive nutritional support that enhances their learning while also creating opportunities for community participation and corporate social responsibility.
Odunmbaku, represented by the Supervisory Councillor Education, Damilola Fayoyin, commended President Bola Tinubu for the initiative noting that it reflected the president’s care for the welfare of school children.
“Today, we celebrate a meaningful initiative that reflects our commitment to the health and education of our pupils. The PBAT School Feeds Project is an investment in the future of our children, ensuring they are well nourished and ready to learn. This initiative reflects our collective commitment to improving the health, well-being, and learning outcomes of our pupils through proper nutrition.
We appreciate the federal government, Lagos State government, Conference 57, Ojodu LCDA, and all partners for making this programme a reality. Together, we are building a brighter future for every child.
“I encourage our pupils to make the most of this opportunity by remaining focused on their studies and striving for excellence,”Odunmbaku said.
The National Programme Manager, Princess Aderemi Adebowale represented by Kikelomo Alamu said the initiative by President Bola Tinubu was to create a country where every child has access to nutritious food that supports learning, healthy development, and lifelong success through a sustainable partnership between government, communities, development partners, and the private sector.
‘A child who eats well learns better. A child who learns better becomes a productive citizen which is why feeding children is not simply a welfare programme.It is an investment in human capital. It is an investment in national development.”
She noted that 30,000 primary school pupils are to benefit from the program for three days across Lagos State during which they will receive nutritious snacks each day designed to support their learning and wellbeing.
She called on corporate organisations and Nigerians in general to support the initiative ‘because when we invest in our children, we invest in our nation.’
The Chairperson, Ojodu LCDA, Abimbola Odunmbaku, represented by Hon. Funke Akinwale, described the ‘PBAT School Feeds Project’ as ‘an investment in the future of our children, ensuring they are well nourished and ready to learn.’
The Head of Department Education, Ojodu LCDA, Akeem Adekoya urged the pupils to concentrate on their studies and ensure they come out in flying colours in their exams.
The pupils thanked President Bola Tinubu for the initiative and prayed for the success of his government and Nigeria in general.
The statewide launch also witnessed the introduction of the ‘Adopt A School For Snacks for Thought Dashboard,’ a data driven digital monitoring which allows sponsors to search for schools they could adopt in each local government areas
It also allows them to monitor how their funds are utilised under the program for transparency and accountability.
At the event was the Technical Adviser , Home Grown National School Feeding Programme, Jamilu Kano and other federal government representatives.