The Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, has hinted that the state government had been expending a sum of N32 million daily on ‘O Meal school feeding programme for pupils in public schools.
He also disclosed that arrangement had been concluded by Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration, through the Ministries of Education, Economic Planning, Budget and Development, and Federal Affairs, to convene a high-level stakeholders’ conference focused on the sustainability of the O’Meals programme, the Osun’s homegrown school feeding initiative.
Alimi, in a statement, said the conference, titled: “Sustainability of O’Meals for Improved Child Nutrition in Osun State,” would bring together development partners and international agencies actively involved in school feeding programmes across Africa and around the globe.
The commissioner, who described the school feeding programme as a major driver of the grassroots economy, said that the conference aims to strengthen dialogue around the future of school feeding in sub-national contexts, with a particular focus on the unique case of Osun State.
The statement read: “With over 200,000 direct beneficiaries, including pupils, food vendors, and local suppliers, the O’Meals programme in Osun State is not only a critical nutritional intervention but also a powerful driver of grassroots economic empowerment.
“Osun State currently commits over N32 million daily to sustain this initiative, reinforcing its commitment to improving child welfare and reducing poverty. This remarkable feat has earned Osun State commendations from several international agencies and development partners who recognise the state’s unwavering dedication to child nutrition and inclusive development.
“The upcoming conference, scheduled to be held on July 8, 2025, in Abuja, seeks to build on this momentum by fostering partnerships and harnessing technical expertise to further enhance the programme’s impact.”
“The event, organised by the Osun State government, in collaboration with the African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), will play host to global development partners, including the Dangote Foundation, Family Health International (FHI360), UN World Food Programme, Nutrition International, Partnership for Child Development, ActionAid Nigeria, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), among others, “the statement concluded.
Osun govt Spends N32m Daily on School Feeding Programme – Commissioner
