FG and ActionAid Launch Forum to Enhance School Feeding Initiative

FG and ActionAid Launch Forum to Enhance School Feeding Initiative

Government Reaffirms Commitment to School Feeding Programme

The Federal Government has reiterated its dedication to repositioning the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) as a key driver for improving nutrition, education, local agriculture, and inclusive economic growth across Nigeria. This commitment was highlighted during a high-level policy forum focused on the institutionalization and implementation of the programme.

Key Stakeholders Gather for Policy Forum

The National Policy Forum on the Institutionalisation and Implementation of the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP) took place at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including government officials, development partners, civil society representatives, private sector actors, and members of smallholder farmer associations.

Organized by ActionAid Nigeria in collaboration with the Presidential Committee on Financial Inclusion and the Renewed Hope NHGSFP, the forum aimed to strengthen the institutional framework of the HGSFP. Discussions centered on ensuring the programme's long-term sustainability and aligning it with broader national goals such as financial inclusion and economic growth.

Leadership Highlights Programme’s Importance

Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, the Minister for State, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and Chairman of the Steering Committee on the Renewed Hope-National Home Grown School Feeding Programme, emphasized that the forum marked a significant step in advancing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He stated that this initiative is crucial for enhancing human capital development and strengthening social investment programmes nationwide.

Dr. Princess Aderemi Adebowale, the National Programme Manager of the Renewed Hope NHGSFP, also spoke about the government’s plans to collaborate with ActionAid and other relevant agencies. She expressed confidence that these partnerships would lead to a more robust, sustainable, and impactful school feeding programme. “Together, we are building a stronger, sustainable, and more impactful Home-Grown School Feeding Programme for the benefit of our children and communities,” she said.

Economic Inclusion as a Priority

Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, the Technical Advisor to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, underscored the importance of unlocking economic and financial inclusion for the sustainability of the NHGSFP. He highlighted the role of smallholder farmers, women, youth, and other potential value chains in achieving this goal. According to Zauro, the programme has the potential to create a ripple effect across various sectors of the economy.

Broader Implications of the Programme

The renewed focus on the NHGSFP reflects a broader strategy to address multiple challenges simultaneously. By integrating nutrition, education, and agricultural development, the programme aims to create a holistic approach to improving the lives of millions of Nigerians. It also serves as a platform for empowering local communities and promoting inclusive economic growth.

Through continued collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, the NHGSFP can become a model for sustainable development in Nigeria. The success of this initiative will depend on sustained commitment, effective implementation, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

As the programme moves forward, it is essential to ensure that all stakeholders remain engaged and that the needs of the most vulnerable populations are prioritized. With the right strategies and support, the NHGSFP can play a vital role in shaping a healthier, more educated, and economically resilient Nigeria.

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