Tinubu committed to sustainable school feeding programme — First Lady
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to establishing a sustainable school feeding programme, expressing confidence that the initiative will be fully implemented before the end of the administration.
She made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the World Bank, led by its Country Director for Nigeria, Dr Matthew Verghis, at the State House in Abuja. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration on Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes in Nigeria.
Mrs Tinubu stressed the importance of investing in children during their early years, describing early childhood development as critical to improving their growth, learning and future opportunities.
She noted that the Federal Government is pursuing a multi-sectoral approach to development, with interventions spanning education, healthcare, nutrition and environmental sanitation.
The First Lady highlighted the administration’s efforts in public health campaigns, including tuberculosis awareness, while emphasising that children remain a top priority for national development.
Speaking on the proposed school feeding initiative, she said President Tinubu has long been passionate about the programme, dating back to his tenure as governor of Lagos State, and assured Nigerians that the administration is determined to establish a lasting framework before leaving office.
She also pledged to continue working with the wives of state governors to promote programmes that improve children’s welfare across the country.
Earlier, World Bank Country Director Dr Matthew Verghis called for stronger collaboration with Nigerian leaders to advance Early Childhood Development, describing investment in children from pregnancy to age five as one of the country’s most valuable long-term priorities.
According to him, the World Bank’s new five-year partnership framework for Nigeria will prioritise investments in nutrition, education, sanitation, healthcare and other sectors that support child development.
Verghis noted that Nigeria remains one of the World Bank’s largest partners globally, adding that the country’s success is vital to achieving the institution’s development goals.
He also urged the First Lady to continue championing a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to early childhood development, saying her leadership would play a significant role in improving outcomes for Nigerian children.
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