By Gafar Alabi 

The Ogun State Government has applauded Hello International, a Non-Governmental Organisation, for its support toward enhancing the school-feeding initiative across the State.

The programme, launched in partnership with the Ogun State Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP), was officially flagged off at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta. The initiative aimed to deliver nutritious meals to primary-school pupils and strengthen child-nutrition efforts State wide.

Speaking at the event, Chairman, Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, commended Hello International for sponsoring school feeding in selected schools in the State, despite the fact that the organisation’s founder was not an indigene of the State. He noted that the gesture demonstrated that the responsibility of feeding school children does not rest solely on the Federal Government, but could also be supported by philanthropists.

Ifede urged food vendors to maintain strict hygiene and ensure meals are nutritionally balanced. He further appreciated Governor Dapo Abiodun for endorsing the initiative while advising parents to thrive and provide meals for their children before leaving home in order to improve classroom concentration.

In her goodwill message, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, Dr. Yetunde Adeniji, represented by HGSFP consultant, Mr. Adekunle Ade-Onajobi, commended the State government’s commitment and assured continued federal support, just as she disclosed that the national school-feeding programme will soon resume, with plans to expand its impact across the country.

Delivering her remarks, Founder and President of Hello International, Dr. Nkiruka Agbazue, explained that the project transcended beyond providing meals, as it was also designed to create employment opportunities within the State. She emphasised that Hello International had fully funded the programme without contributions from any individual or government, while the State provides the required infrastructure and logistical support.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Hon. Olufunmilayo Efuwape, expressed gratitude to the organisation and encouraged other well-meaning individuals to emulate the initiative, stressing that collective participation would ensure more children receive nutritious meals while learning.