The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Federal Government, private organisations and philanthropists to enhance the welfare of schoolchildren through sustainable education and nutrition programmes.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Tuesday at the inauguration of the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme breakfast initiative in Lagos, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin.
Mr Sanwo-Olu said nation-building could not be the responsibility of government alone, stressing that collective efforts were essential to achieving meaningful development. He welcomed partnerships that would improve children’s wellbeing, describing the breakfast scheme as a demonstration of care for pupils.
“That is why Lagos State will continue to partner with the Federal Government, individuals, private organisations, NGOs and everyone willing to help our children live better lives,” he said. “Our doors remain open to every organisation that supports the progress of Lagos children under the THEMES Plus Agenda.”
The governor noted that pupils would also receive schoolbags and other learning materials alongside the meals.
Digital Dashboard to Mobilise Private Support
The National Programme Manager of the Renewed Hope initiative, Aderemi Adebowale, described Lagos as the ideal state for the official launch. She said the breakfast programme, designed to provide nutritious snacks and drinks before classes begin, aims to improve attendance, retention and learning outcomes.
“Children do not know political parties or colours. Our objective is to ensure that no child begins learning on an empty stomach,” Ms Adebowale said.
She explained that the initiative would operate through a CSR-driven digital dashboard, enabling Nigerians in the diaspora, private organisations and philanthropists to sponsor breakfast meals for schools. The platform complements the Federal Government’s existing National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.
“Government will continue providing the regular school feeding programme, while we mobilise the private sector, communities and development partners to provide breakfast before classes begin,” she said. “The food we serve these children is the same food we can confidently eat ourselves. We will never give children what we cannot eat.”
Call for Private Sector Partnership
The Chairman of Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area, Muyibi Folawiyo, thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for selecting the council as the flag-off venue. He said the initiative would boost school attendance, punctuality and learning.
Mr Folawiyo urged banks, insurance firms and other corporate organisations with headquarters in Lagos Island to adopt schools under the initiative as part of their corporate social responsibilities.
“Government cannot do it alone,” he said. “This is a call to all private organisations to join hands in laying a solid foundation for the future of our children. The investment we make today will determine the Nigeria we build tomorrow.”
The programme featured the distribution of breakfast packs, schoolbags and learning materials, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the initiative would strengthen educational outcomes and child welfare across the country.