Abuja: Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has restated his government’s commitment to improve the nutritional health status of school children in the state. Adeleke made this known on Tuesday during a Conference on Sustainable School Feeding and Child Nutrition organised by the Osun government in partnership with AUDA-NEPAD.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the conference, themed ‘Sustainability of O-Meal for Improved Children Nutrition in Osun State Homegrown School Funding Programme,’ highlighted the state’s efforts to nurture well-nourished children for a healthier future. Represented by Prof. Abdulmaruf Adeleke, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development, Gov. Adeleke emphasized the program’s impact despite food inflation challenges. He called for support from stakeholders to enhance the O-Meal School Feeding programme, which began in 2006.
Representing AUDA-NEPAD, CEO Ms. Agymi Abubakar highlighted the Osun Home-Grown School Feeding Programme’s role in building a healthier workforce for Nigeria. She advocated for private sector partnerships and sustained budgetary allocations to maximize health benefits for children. AUDA-NEPAD remains committed to supporting initiatives like Osun’s Nutritional Improvement and economic upliftment.
In her opening remarks, Commissioner for Federal Affairs, Mrs. Nike Adeleke, described the event as a celebration of homegrown success. She stressed the importance of strengthening and sustaining the initiative to shape the lives of thousands of children and families. Since its inception in 2006, the O-meal programme has consistently benefitted over 200,000 individuals, making Osun a unique sub-national in Nigeria.
The event provided a platform for policymakers, experts, and donor organizations to deliberate on aligning the O’Meals programme with broader development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals on zero hunger and quality education. The gathering also explored strategies for enhancing child nutrition and fostering new partnerships for broader impact in Osun State.
Attendees included representatives from the Japan International Cooperative Agency, the United Nations World Food Programme, and other dignitaries from various sectors.