In response to the alleged food poisoning incident at Saint James Primary School B, Owoope, Osogbo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized the Osun state government for jeopardizing the lives of public school pupils. Osun APC chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, has warned Governor Ademola Adeleke to address concerns about the quality of food provided under the school feeding program.
Lawal expressed discomfort over reports that pupils were treated for food poisoning and questioned the adequacy of the budget, suggesting that only N64 was allocated per pupil per meal. He raised concerns about the government paying N10,000 per month to O’Meal vendors, emphasizing the need for proper compensation and supplies to ensure the success of the program.
The APC chairman urged stakeholders to condemn the alleged laissez-faire approach to governance by Governor Adeleke, linking it to the suspected poisoning incident involving 18 school pupils.
In response to the allegations, Osun State Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, contested the number of affected pupils, stating that over 100 pupils were served the food, with only 11 living in the same compound reportedly affected. Eluwole emphasized that the pupils were offered medical examination, but their parents declined the offer.
The commissioner accused political mischief, denying any cases of food poisoning and attributing the incident to opposition parties attempting to tarnish the administration’s image. Special Adviser to the governor on O-Meals, Ayodele Oluwaseyi, supported this claim, stating that fresh tests confirmed no food poisoning, and the reported incident was politically motivated.
Oluwaseyi asserted that women recruited as food vendors were certified cooks working in hygienic environments, emphasizing the integrity of the O’Meals program.
