Empowerment

Osun School Feeding Programme Strengthened as Adeleke Seeks Global Support

Published

1 year ago

July 11, 2025

Osun school feeding programme receives renewed backing from Governor Adeleke, who urges donor and global support to boost child nutrition and learning

Osun school feeding programme has received renewed commitment from Governor Ademola Adeleke, who has urged stakeholders and global partners to support the state’s effort in boosting child nutrition and education outcomes.

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Speaking at a high-level stakeholders’ conference held in Abuja on Wednesday, themed “Sustainability of O-Meal for Improved Children Nutrition in Osun State Homegrown School Feeding Programme,” the governor reiterated his administration’s dedication to ensuring the long-term success of the initiative, which began in 2006.

Represented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development, Professor Abdulmaruf Adeleke, Governor Adeleke noted that the programme was crucial not only for enhancing academic environments but also for improving children’s nutritional health and future potential.

“This is about investing in the lives of children, women, and vulnerable citizens. Every financial or technical contribution directly impacts children, fosters a more equitable society, and helps define a roadmap for sustainability and development,” Adeleke stated.

Despite inflationary pressures on food prices, the Osun school feeding programme has managed to reach thousands of pupils consistently.

Governor Adeleke appealed to donor agencies, philanthropists, and development partners to work collaboratively with the Osun State Government to ensure that the initiative continues to thrive.

The programme, run in partnership with the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), uses a homegrown food supply model to boost both nutrition and local agriculture.

Among those present at the event were representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), AUDA-NEPAD, and officials from the embassies of Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates.

Also in attendance were technocrats, private sector actors, and key government representatives.

Since its inception in 2006, the O-Meal programme has stood as a beacon of consistency and innovation, making Osun the only sub-national in Nigeria to have maintained an uninterrupted and structured school feeding initiative.

In her opening remarks, Chief Mrs. Nike Adeleke, the State Commissioner for Federal Affairs, described the O-Meal initiative as a pioneering model in Nigeria’s education and nutrition sectors.

“Since its inception in 2006, the O-Meal programme has stood as a beacon of consistency and innovation, making Osun the only sub-national in Nigeria to have maintained an uninterrupted and structured school feeding initiative. The programme currently benefits over 200,000 children directly,” she said.

Representing the CEO of AUDA-NEPAD, Mr. Agymi Abubakar praised Osun’s unwavering commitment to the programme. He said the benefits go beyond addressing hunger to driving up school enrolment and fostering a more productive future workforce.

“O-Meal is a direct, impactful translation of national priorities. We are not only addressing immediate hunger but also enhancing school attendance and educational outcomes. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s focus on human capital development and food security aligns with the first aspiration of Agenda 2063—‘A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth’,” Abubakar said.

He also encouraged sustained budgetary commitments and greater private sector participation, calling the programme a catalyst for long-term health and economic improvements.

Dr Sanjo Faniran of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Adaku Ekpo of the UN WFP, and Yetunde Adeniji, Senior Special Assistant to the President on the Renewed Hope National Homegrown Feeding Programme, echoed similar support.

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In closing, the governor reaffirmed that Osun would continue to lead by example, demonstrating that political will and strategic partnerships can deliver long-term social benefits.

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State development

Bauchi Urges Girls to Pursue Education and Skilled Jobs

Published

3 weeks ago

October 26, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Bauchi girls’ education campaign urges students to complete school, learn vocational skills and pursue careers traditionally dominated by men

Girls in Bauchi State have been encouraged to complete their education, acquire vocational skills and pursue careers traditionally dominated by men as part of efforts to promote financial independence and reduce gender inequality.

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The call was made on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at an event in Bauchi to mark the International Day of the Girl Child.

The event was organised under the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Project in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, Azurfa Women and Youth Development Initiative, and Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative.

Speaking at the event, Mustapha Idris, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative, said the annual observance aimed to raise awareness of girls’ rights and promote their well-being.

He said the programme was designed to encourage girls to explore a wider range of professions and address gender disparities in the workplace.

Idris urged students to use their school holidays to learn practical skills, including shoemaking and soap production, which could help them earn an income and improve their economic prospects.

“Girls should not feel ashamed of learning a trade or engaging in legitimate businesses. These skills can provide them with sources of income, promote financial independence and reduce their reliance on others,” he said.

Monica Tanko, Executive Director of Azurfa Women and Youth Development Initiative, urged the girls to remain committed to their education and avoid leaving school before completing their studies.

She also encouraged them to develop practical skills alongside their formal education, saying the combination could help prepare them for future challenges and employment opportunities.

Tanko stressed the importance of self-reliance while encouraging the students to maintain their personal dignity as they pursued their ambitions.

Timothy Ibrahim, an engineer with more than 20 years of professional experience, encouraged the students to consider engineering and other professions in which women have traditionally been underrepresented.

He urged them not to allow gender stereotypes to discourage them from pursuing their interests, adding that girls could excel when they had access to opportunities, encouragement and support.

His message reinforced the event’s call for girls to look beyond occupations traditionally associated with women and explore careers across technical and professional fields.

The event was attended by female students from several schools in Bauchi metropolis, including Rafin Zurfi, Bakaro, Unguwar Doya, Gudun Sayawa and the Federal Government Girls’ College.

The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on October 11 to promote girls’ rights and draw attention to challenges affecting their development.

The Bauchi event used the occasion to highlight the importance of education, vocational training and access to a wider range of career opportunities.

The organisers’ message was that empowering girls requires more than keeping them in school.

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Access to practical skills, supportive role models and opportunities to enter different professions can also help young women build greater economic independence and participate more fully in their communities.