By Anifowoshe Oladipupo
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to the O-Meal School Feeding Programme, a pioneering initiative launched in 2006 to tackle child malnutrition and boost school enrollment.
Speaking at a key stakeholders’ conference in Abuja themed “Sustainability of O-Meal for Improved Children Nutrition”, Governor Adeleke, represented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development, Professor Abdulmaruf Adeleke emphasized that the programme remains crucial for nurturing a healthier, more educated generation.
He noted that despite rising food inflation, the state is determined to maintain the programme for the benefit of thousands of schoolchildren.
In a strategic move to ensure the programme’s longevity, Governor Adeleke called on international partners including the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the World Food Programme (WFP), AUDA-NEPAD, and diplomatic missions from Tunisia and the UAE to support Osun’s efforts.
Acknowledging the impact of O-Meal, AUDA-NEPAD praised the initiative for boosting school attendance and contributing to long-term workforce development.
The conference served as a rallying point for stakeholders to collectively affirm that investing in O-Meal is a step toward empowering children, advancing equity, and promoting sustainable development.
Chief Mrs. Nike Adeleke, Osun’s Commissioner for Federal Affairs, highlighted the unique legacy of the programme, noting that Osun remains the only sub-national entity in Nigeria to have maintained a structured school feeding initiative.
She said over 200,000 children are currently benefiting from the scheme, which she described as a model for human capital development aligned with national priorities and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
As economic uncertainties persist, Osun’s unwavering commitment to O-Meal stands as a symbol of homegrown success.
The state’s outreach to global development partners and philanthropists reflects its determination to transform short-term support into long-term sustainability, ensuring that the health and education of its children remain a top priority.
