The Federal Government announced its intention to conduct headcounts of Almajiris across the country and integrate them into the homegrown school feeding programme under the current administration.
Dr. Yetunde Adeniji, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Schools Feeding, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi A. Sule in Lafia on Friday.
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A statement by Mr. Oyedokun Oyewumi, the Special Assistant to the SSA, indicated that the program focuses on children in public schools, and Adeniji’s office is open to suggestions.
She emphasized that her discussions with relevant authorities reflect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing the welfare and educational opportunities for children through the school feeding program, with a particular emphasis on incorporating marginalized groups like the Almajiris.
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During the visit, Governor Abdullahi A. Sule urged the Federal government to prioritize the inclusion of Almajiris in the home-grown school feeding plan. He acknowledged the Senior Special Assistant’s efforts to bring about reforms for the success of the school feeding program.
Governor Sule appealed to the SSA to enhance the livelihood of the almajiris, stating that this would eradicate child destitution and remove beggars from the streets. He emphasized that incorporating the Almajiri group into the program would provide them with proper nutrition and education, taking them off the streets.
The Governor assured Dr. Adeniji of Nasarawa State Government’s support in achieving the objectives of the program.
“We call on the Office of the SSA to, in collaboration with Northern States and relevant institutions, conduct a census of Almajiri schools and headcount of the destitute children with a view to enrolling them in the ongoing National Home-grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP),” he said.
Earlier in the week, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, commended the Senior Special Assistant for her proactive approach in engaging with institutions and states that would contribute to the success of the programme.
He expressed the commitment of the Kaduna state government to collaborate with the SSA’s office to ensure the success of the programme, focusing on improving the nutritional value for the children.
