………..Calls on Corporate Bodies, Philanthropists to Adopt Schools, End Classroom Hunger.
Emmanuel Ikpeama
The Executive Chairman of Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Kareem Azeez Abiodun, has declared that no child should learn on an empty stomach, as the council officially launched the “Adopt A School – Snacks for Thought (PBAT Feeds)” initiative under the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, calling on corporate organisations, philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to partner with government in eliminating classroom hunger.
The launch, held on Tuesday 30,June 2026 at L.A. Nursery and Primary School 2, Ilobo-Elegba, Oto-Awori LCDA, was organised through a partnership between the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, the Lagos State Government, and Conference 57, with simultaneous flag-offs across the three senatorial districts and the 57 Local Government Areas and LCDAs in Lagos State.
The initiative also featured the unveiling of the PBAT Feeds Digital Dashboard, an innovation designed to enhance transparency, accountability and real-time monitoring of school feeding activities across participating schools.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Kareem described the programme as a major investment in the future of Nigerian children, stressing that quality education cannot be achieved when pupils are distracted by hunger.
According to him, the initiative goes beyond providing snacks to schoolchildren; it is about improving concentration, boosting academic performance, encouraging school attendance and nurturing the next generation of leaders.
“A well-fed child learns better, concentrates longer and dreams bigger. When we remove hunger from the classroom, we unlock the enormous potential in every child. This is why we say no child should learn on an empty stomach.
This programme is not just about feeding children; it is about building the future of our nation,” he said.
The Council Chairman expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for placing children’s welfare at the centre of the Renewed Hope Agenda through the revitalisation of the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.
He also commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for aligning Lagos State with the Federal Government’s initiative, noting that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving basic education and child welfare.
Hon. Kareem applauded the introduction of the PBAT Feeds Digital Dashboard, describing it as a technology-driven platform that would ensure every meal reaches its intended beneficiaries through effective monitoring and accountability.
He urged corporate organisations, foundations, faith-based institutions, development partners and philanthropists to embrace the “Adopt A School” initiative by supporting public primary schools across Oto-Awori LCDA.
“Government cannot do it alone. We are calling on individuals and organisations with the capacity to support this initiative to adopt schools and invest directly in the health, education and future of our children. Every contribution matters because every child matters,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the National Programme Manager of the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, Dr. Princess Aderemi Adebowale, Mrs. Esther Adedeji described the programme as the beginning of a nationwide movement founded on the principle that food security is national security.
She explained that the “Adopt A School – Snacks for Thought” initiative provides an opportunity for individuals, businesses, foundations and development partners to support public primary schools by providing nutritious snacks while ensuring transparency through the digital dashboard.
According to her, a child who is properly nourished is more likely to remain in school, perform better academically and grow into a productive citizen.
She noted that the programme demonstrates what can be achieved when the Federal Government, state governments, local governments, the private sector and communities work together toward a common goal.
Delivering the vote of thanks, HOD Education Oto Awori,Mr Wale Koka commended President Tinubu for initiating what he described as a life-changing intervention for schoolchildren across Nigeria.
He urged pupils to reciprocate government’s investment by remaining committed to their education, avoiding social vices and striving for academic excellence, while also appreciating the Oto-Awori LCDA administration for its commitment to educational development.
Following the official launch,the Executive Chairman and his lovely wife together with the Council manager, leader of the legislative council, Supervisor for Education and other stakeholders distributed nutritious snacks to pupils, marking the commencement of the programme in Oto-Awori LCDA.
Speaking with journalists after the event, Hon. Kareem disclosed that the exercise was being implemented simultaneously across all 57 Local Government Areas and LCDAs in Lagos State.
He assured residents that his administration would complement the Federal Government’s intervention by addressing critical infrastructure needs in public schools, including the provision of classrooms, desks, benches and other learning facilities.
“We have already identified some pressing needs in our schools, and we will move swiftly to address them. What the President has started today is a worthy initiative that we intend to sustain and complement at the local level.
Education remains one of our highest priorities because it is the foundation of sustainable development,” he stated.
Responding to questions on the “Adopt A School” initiative, the chairman reiterated that the appeal was open to individuals, corporate organisations and all well-meaning Nigerians willing to give back to society.
He dismissed suggestions that the programme was politically motivated, insisting that the overriding objective is to improve the welfare and educational experience of every child.
“We are not concerned about anyone’s political affiliation. What matters is that every child deserves the opportunity to learn in a conducive environment and with a full stomach. This is about humanity, compassion and nation-building,” he added.
Also speaking, the Supervisor for Education and Library Services, Comrade Adeniyi Jelili, described the initiative as a timely intervention that would significantly improve pupils’ learning experience.
He disclosed that the programme would continue across other public primary schools within the LCDA, expressing optimism that it would become a sustained intervention.
Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Hon. Salami Bashir Akeyele, assured residents of the legislative arm’s commitment to supporting the Executive in sustaining the programme.
He described the initiative as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future, stressing that every child deserves access to quality education supported by proper nutrition.
The event ended with renewed calls for stronger collaboration among government, the private sector, civil society organisations and community leaders to ensure that no child is denied the opportunity to learn because of hunger, reinforcing the Renewed Hope administration’s commitment to improving the lives and future of Nigerian children.
Among those in attendance were the Vice Chairman, Hon. Moses Olabisi Aina; the Council Chairperson, Alhaja Basirat Kareem; the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Audu Sulaimon Awoyemi; the Council Secretary, Hon. Ajose Tokunbo; the Council Manager, Mrs. Welu Olamide; councillors, supervisors, the Chief of Staff, the Headmistress of L.A. Nursery and Primary School 2, representatives of the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, and other stakeholders.
