The Federal Government will establish a sustainable and well-structured school feeding programme before the end of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has said.
She gave the assurance while receiving a delegation from the World Bank, led by its Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Matthew Verghis, during a courtesy visit to the State House in Abuja.
According to the First Lady, the initiative reflects President Bola Tinubu’s longstanding commitment to improving child welfare, noting that his passion for school feeding dates back to his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.
Mrs Tinubu described early childhood development as a vital investment in the nation’s future, stressing that access to proper nutrition, healthcare and quality education during a child’s formative years is key to building a productive society.
She also pledged continued collaboration with the wives of state governors to strengthen programmes that improve the wellbeing of children across the country.
The First Lady highlighted the administration’s multi-sectoral approach to child development through coordinated interventions in education, healthcare and environmental sanitation, noting that initiatives such as the Green Challenge complement broader efforts to improve children’s welfare.
Speaking during the visit, World Bank Country Director Dr. Matthew Verghis described Nigeria as one of the institution’s most strategic partners, saying the country’s progress is critical to achieving the bank’s global development objectives.
He explained that the World Bank’s Early Childhood Development programme seeks to improve nutrition, healthcare and learning outcomes for children from pregnancy through the age of five, noting that investments made during this period generate long-term economic and social benefits.
Verghis called for sustained political commitment and stronger collaboration among government institutions to ensure the successful implementation of programmes that support children’s development and help break the cycle of poverty.
