LAFIA/Nigeria: The Federal Government has unveiled intentions to conduct a comprehensive headcount of Almajiris nationwide, aiming to integrate them into the ongoing homegrown school feeding program initiated by the current administration.
This development was disclosed by Dr. Yetunde Adeniji, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Schools Feeding, during a visit to the Executive Governor of Nasarawa state, Abdullahi A. Sule in Lafia.
According to a statement released by Mr. Oyedokun Oyewumi, the Special Assistant to the SSA, the program primarily targets children in public schools, with a keen emphasis on embracing marginalized groups such as the Almajiris. Dr. Adeniji stressed the President’s commitment, citing a focus on enhancing the welfare and educational prospects for children through this initiative.
Governor Abdullahi A. Sule echoed this sentiment during the meeting, urging the Federal government to prioritize the inclusion of Almajiris within the homegrown school feeding plan. He acknowledged the efforts of the Senior Special Assistant and emphasized the need for reforms to ensure the success of the schools feeding program, aiming to improve the livelihoods of the Almajiris and eradicate child destitution.
“The incorporation of Almajiris into the program would help take them off the streets, providing proper nutrition and education,” remarked Governor Sule, emphasizing the potential impact of this inclusive approach.
Furthermore, Governor Sule called upon the Office of the SSA to collaborate with Northern States and relevant institutions to conduct a comprehensive census of Almajiri schools and destitute children for enrollment into the National Home-grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP).
Meanwhile, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has praised the Senior Special Assistant’s proactive engagement with institutions and states crucial to the programme’s success.
Governor Sani pledged support from Kaduna state government to collaborate with the SSA’s office to enhance the nutrition value of the children in the forthcoming program.
This strategic move by the Federal Government signals a concerted effort to address educational and welfare disparities by ensuring the inclusion of marginalized groups like the Almajiris in the national school feeding initiative.
