By Zainab Bakare
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to establishing a sustainable nationwide school feeding programme before the end of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2027.
Mrs Tinubu made the pledge on Tuesday while receiving a World Bank delegation led by the Bank’s Country Director for Nigeria, Dr Matthew Verghis, at the State House in Abuja.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration on Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes.
She described investment in children from an early age as critical to improving their health, education and future opportunities, stressing that the Tinubu administration remains committed to policies that enhance the well-being of Nigerians.
The First Lady said the government is pursuing a multi-sectoral approach that integrates healthcare, education, nutrition and environmental sanitation to give every Nigerian child a strong foundation for growth and development.
According to her, President Bola Tinubu is personally committed to reviving and sustaining a national school feeding programme, drawing on the success of similar initiatives implemented during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.
Mrs Tinubu also pledged to continue working with the wives of state governors to expand programmes that improve children’s welfare and increase access to essential services across the country.
Speaking during the meeting, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr Matthew Verghis, described early childhood development as one of Nigeria’s most strategic long-term investments.
He noted that interventions from pregnancy through a child’s first five years significantly improve cognitive development, reduce future healthcare costs and help break the cycle of poverty.
Dr Verghis added that the World Bank’s new five-year partnership framework for Nigeria will prioritise investments in nutrition, education, healthcare, sanitation and other child-focused programmes, while calling for stronger collaboration with Nigerian stakeholders to deliver lasting impact.
