War on child hunger: FG, AMA Foundation unveil enhanced feeding initiative
Sununu speaking at the event
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
In a bold move to combat child hunger and improve education, the Federal Government, through the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (RH-NHGSFP), has launched a pilot feeding initiative at Jere Tsangaya School in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The programme, unveiled on Wednesday, was attended by the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Yusuf Tanko Sununu, alongside key government officials, development partners, and community stakeholders.
The initiative reinforces President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing child malnutrition, advancing education, and supporting vulnerable communities.
A collaborative effort between the Federal Government, the Aminu Musa Abdulsalam (AMA) Foundation, and the Kaduna State Government, this pilot programme seeks to expand sustainable and nutritious feeding interventions to Tsangaya schools and underserved communities.
Speaking at the launch, Sununu revealed that over 785 pupils of the institution had been enrolled in the National Register.
He praised the Homegrown School Feeding Programme for fostering collaboration with intergovernmental agencies.
He stated: “Mr. President’s will is to see that families have enough buffer that can allow them to have the freedom to do their normal activities in the country so that they can contribute positively to the development. In this regard, our ministry is ever ready to face that challenge. Let me assure Nigerians, the suspension has been placed following the happenings in the ministry in the last few months. That suspension of all social intervention programmes in Nigeria has been lifted by Mr. President.”
Reassuring beneficiaries, Sununu added: “I want to assure all the empowered beneficiaries that their dues will soon be settled and we will continue with the programme’s grant to the vulnerable groups and other social interventions, such as the Homeschool Feeding Program that we are flagging off today will not only be restored but will come in a better form that will see the advantage by Nigerians so that everybody will have to trust.”
He further emphasised transparency and accountability in the programme’s execution, stating: “On our part, we assure you that we are going to be transparent enough and very accountable so that we can restore the trust of not only Nigerians but of the international community to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction so that together we cannot only walk the talk but we can reach people at their doorstep.”
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Earlier, the National Programme Manager of RH-NHGSFP, Dr. Aderemi Adebowale, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing the future of children through proper nutrition and education.
“As we launch this enhanced feeding programme, we are not just providing meals; we are securing the future of our children. The success of this initiative is a testament to what we can achieve through collaboration, dedication, and a shared vision,” she said.
Dr. Adebowale also expressed appreciation to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction for championing the initiative, as well as to the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Prof. Badamasi Lawal, for advancing President Tinubu’s vision for vulnerable citizens.
She further acknowledged the Almajiri Commission, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the National Orientation Agency, and other stakeholders for their steadfast support.
Commending the contributions of the Aminu Musa Abdulsalam Foundation, she highlighted its crucial role in fortifying the feeding programme.
“The Foundation has not only strengthened this initiative but has also undertaken critical interventions, including constructing a modern kitchen, providing cooking utensils for 1,000 pupils, installing a water supply system, donating footwear, and offering medical care support for students, among others,” she noted.
She also lauded the RH-NHGSFP team and its consultant, TANTACOM Experiential Projects Ltd, for their strategic execution of the initiative, as well as the headmaster, teachers, community leaders, parents, and cooks for their commitment to ensuring the programme’s success.
The launch of the pilot feeding programme marks a significant milestone in the government’s broader efforts to eradicate child hunger and improve educational outcomes for vulnerable children across Nigeria.
