First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has said President Bola Tinubu remains committed to establishing a sustainable school feeding programme across Nigeria before the end of his administration.
She made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the World Bank, led by its Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Matthew Verghis, at the State House in Abuja.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration on Early Childhood Development programmes and improving the welfare of Nigerian children.
Early investment in children is essential
Speaking during the meeting, the First Lady stressed that investing in children from their earliest years is vital for national development.
According to her, early childhood programmes help improve children’s growth, learning ability and long-term productivity.
She added that the Federal Government is pursuing policies that promote better healthcare, education, nutrition and environmental sanitation as part of a broader development strategy.
School feeding remains a priority
Oluremi Tinubu expressed optimism that a structured school feeding programme would become fully operational before the current administration leaves office.
She noted that President Tinubu has consistently supported school feeding initiatives, dating back to his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.
The First Lady also pledged to continue working with the wives of state governors to implement programmes aimed at improving the wellbeing of children nationwide.
World Bank seeks stronger partnership
World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Matthew Verghis, described Nigeria as one of the institution’s most important development partners.
He said the organisation’s new five-year country partnership framework places strong emphasis on investing in people through education, nutrition, healthcare and skills development.
According to Verghis, supporting children from pregnancy through their early years improves cognitive development, reduces healthcare costs and contributes to long-term economic growth.
He also encouraged the First Lady to continue championing a multi-sectoral approach to child development, noting that Nigeria’s success is critical to achieving the World Bank’s broader development goals.
The World Bank delegation added that future programmes would focus on improving nutrition, sanitation, education and other essential services that support healthy child development across the country.