Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has made a passionate appeal for international support to launch climate-friendly school meal programmes across the country.

Speaking at a roundtable lunch organised by the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) and the Rockefeller Foundation on the sideline of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Senator Tinubu emphasized the potential of school feeding programmes to boost enrollment and promote nutrition among students.

She disclosed that the programme, currently under review in Nigeria, aims to provide nutritious meals to children, particularly those affected by desertification and flooding in the northern regions.

Senator Tinubu highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to food security, evident in his declaration of a state of emergency on the issue.

The First Lady stated further that to tackle the challenges posed by Nigeria’s surging population and climate change, Senator Bola Tinubu launched initiatives such as the Young Farmers Club of Nigeria and the Every Home A Garden Competition.

“These programmes demonstrate the administration’s priority on providing healthy meals to children and communities,” she stated.

Key Objectives:

– Sustainable Rollout: Ensure climate-friendly school meal programs reach all regions, especially areas affected by desertification and flooding.

– Increased Enrollment: Drive up school enrollment through nutritious meal provisions.

– Nutrition Promotion: Improve nutrition among students, focusing on vulnerable populations.

Call to Action:

Senator Tinubu urged development partners to assist Nigeria in overcoming its hydra-headed problems, stressing that the administration is committed to working for the people and getting Nigeria back on its feet.

The roundtable lunch aimed to position the school meals agenda in the G20 engagement of the African Union, seeking collaborative support for this critical initiative.