First Lady Oluremi Tinubu says the Federal Government is committed to establishing a sustainable national school feeding programme before the end of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing investment in children as critical to Nigeria’s future.
Speaking while receiving a delegation from the World Bank at the State House in Abuja, Senator Tinubu said the government was focused on programmes that improve the wellbeing of Nigerians, especially children.
She said Nigeria’s large population remains an advantage and emphasised the need for continued investment in healthcare, sanitation, nutrition and education.
According to her, government ministries have been working together through a multi-sectoral approach to address challenges affecting citizens.
The First Lady highlighted ongoing health initiatives, including awareness campaigns against tuberculosis, and stressed that children remain the nation’s greatest asset.
She added that her office would continue collaborating with the wives of state governors to support programmes aimed at improving children’s welfare nationwide.
Speaking on the school feeding initiative, Oluremi Tinubu said President Tinubu is passionate about the programme and wants it properly established before the administration completes its tenure.
She recalled that the President had shown similar commitment to such initiatives during his time as Lagos State Governor.
The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr Matthew Verghis, called for stronger cooperation with Nigerian leaders to advance Early Childhood Development (ECD), describing investment in children as one of the most important long-term strategies for national development.
Verghis said the World Bank’s next five-year partnership framework with Nigeria would focus heavily on investing in people through education, nutrition, healthcare and skills development.
He explained that investments made from pregnancy until a child reaches five years old can produce lasting benefits by improving learning ability, reducing healthcare costs and helping families overcome poverty.
The World Bank official urged the First Lady to use her platform to promote a coordinated approach to Early Childhood Development, noting that Nigeria’s success is important to achieving the bank’s global development goals.
The five-member World Bank delegation visited the First Lady to present updates on the bank’s Early Childhood Development programme for Nigeria, which is currently undergoing technical and analytical preparations ahead of implementation.
