𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐩𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
The Lagos State Government has officially flagged off the Adopt-A-School PBAT Feeds – Snacks for Thought Initiative under the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme in Badagry Division, marking another significant milestone in its commitment to improving child welfare, promoting quality education, and ensuring that no child is denied the opportunity to learn because of hunger.
The launch ceremony, held at St. Thomas Anglican Nursery and Primary School, Badagry, brought together government officials, education stakeholders, development partners, school administrators, parents, community leaders, and pupils in a collective demonstration of the government’s determination to build a healthier, more educated, and prosperous future for Lagos State.
Designed to improve child nutrition, increase school enrolment and attendance, enhance classroom concentration, and strengthen learning outcomes in public primary schools, the programme forms part of the broader Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at investing directly in the wellbeing and future of Nigerian children.
Representing the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani Sule, described the initiative as “a partnership for the future of Lagos State,” emphasizing that the success of every society depends largely on how well it invests in its children.
According to the Governor, the programme extends far beyond providing meals to pupils. Rather, it is a strategic investment in human capital development, educational advancement, economic growth, and social inclusion.
“The future of every society is shaped not only by what it builds today, but by how well it nourishes the children who will build tomorrow,” the Governor stated.
He explained that by providing nutritious meals to pupils, the initiative will not only improve children’s physical health and cognitive development but will also encourage higher school attendance, reduce classroom hunger, improve academic performance, and create a more enabling environment for effective teaching and learning.
Governor Sanwo-Olu further noted that the programme is designed to stimulate local economic growth by strengthening agricultural value chains. Farmers, food vendors, caterers, transporters, and other small-scale businesses within host communities will benefit directly through increased demand for locally sourced agricultural produce and food services.
According to him, the programme represents a sustainable development model where investments in education simultaneously create employment opportunities, boost local businesses, and improve household incomes.
One of the major highlights of the event was the unveiling of the Adopt-A-School Snacks for Thought Dashboard, an innovative digital platform developed to promote transparency, accountability, and measurable impact in programme implementation.
The dashboard enables corporate organisations, financial institutions, alumni associations, faith-based organisations, development partners, philanthropists, and public-spirited individuals to adopt public schools across Lagos State, monitor ongoing interventions, evaluate programme outcomes, and witness firsthand the positive impact of their contributions on children’s lives.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the platform as an important tool for expanding partnerships between government and the private sector while ensuring openness and accountability in programme execution.
Calling on individuals and organisations to support the initiative, he remarked:
“What we are demonstrating today is that when government and society work hand in hand, every child has a greater opportunity to succeed.”
He therefore urged well-meaning Lagosians, corporate organisations, professional bodies, religious institutions, and alumni associations to embrace the initiative by adopting schools and contributing meaningfully towards improving children’s access to nutrition and quality education.
“Adopt a school. Feed a child. Shape the future of Lagos State,” the Governor appealed.
Speaking at the Badagry flag-off ceremony, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, who was represented by the Council Manager, Mrs. Avoseh-Akwe Senami Oluwakemi, described the programme as a timely and impactful intervention that perfectly aligns with the Council’s unwavering commitment to educational development, child protection, and community wellbeing.
Hon. Hunpe stressed that no child should have to struggle with hunger while pursuing education, noting that access to nutritious meals remains a critical factor in improving learning outcomes.
“A hungry child cannot learn effectively. This initiative is an investment in the future of our children and our society. Beyond improving nutrition and educational outcomes, it will also create opportunities for local farmers, food vendors, and small businesses, thereby strengthening our local economy,” he stated.
The Chairman reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Government, Lagos State Government, development agencies, and private organisations on programmes that directly improve the lives of residents and create sustainable opportunities for economic and social development.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, the Lagos State Government, and all collaborating partners for extending the initiative to grassroots communities, expressing confidence that the programme would significantly improve educational outcomes while promoting inclusive economic growth across Badagry.
Also speaking at the event, the representative of the National Programme Manager of the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, Princess Aderemi Adebowale, Mrs. Idowu Bukola, described the initiative as a strategic national investment in the future of Nigerian children.
She explained that the programme is specifically designed to combat classroom hunger, improve child nutrition, increase school enrolment and retention, enhance academic performance, and stimulate local economies by supporting farmers, food processors, caterers, and other stakeholders within the agricultural value chain.
According to her, ensuring that children receive nutritious meals while in school not only promotes better educational outcomes but also contributes significantly to poverty reduction, food security, and sustainable national development.
The event featured the official distribution of nutritious snacks to excited pupils, symbolising the commencement of another transformative chapter in Lagos State’s educational support initiatives. The atmosphere reflected optimism and a shared commitment among stakeholders to ensuring that every child, regardless of background or economic status, has access to quality education in a healthy and supportive learning environment.
The launch of the Adopt-A-School PBAT Feeds – Snacks for Thought Initiative further underscores the collective resolve of the Federal Government, Lagos State Government, Badagry Local Government, and development partners to invest in the next generation through policies and programmes that combine education, nutrition, economic empowerment, and community development.
As the initiative expands across schools in Lagos State, it is expected to not only reduce hunger and improve learning outcomes but also strengthen local agricultural production, stimulate economic activities, encourage school enrolment, and create a brighter future for thousands of children whose dreams will now be nourished both in the classroom and beyond.
For Badagry Local Government, the programme represents yet another affirmation of the Babatunde Hunpe-led administration’s enduring commitment to child welfare, educational excellence, and inclusive grassroots development, ensuring that every child is given the opportunity to learn, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to the future prosperity of the community, Lagos State, and Nigeria as a whole.
