The Oladele Fajemirokun Foundation has introduced an Early Childhood School Feeding Programme to ease the financial burden on indigent families, encourage school enrolment and create a conducive learning environment for pupils in selected public primary schools.
The Foundation’s Executive Director, Mrs Olawumi Fajemirokun, said the initiative was established in response to concerns that some low-income families struggle to provide their children with adequate and nutritious meals, affecting their education and overall development.
According to her, teachers have frequently raised concerns about pupils’ inability to concentrate in class because of hunger and the lack of essential resources needed for effective learning. She noted that these challenges contribute to low enrolment, absenteeism and truancy, potentially putting the children’s educational future at risk.
“History is replete with examples of leaders, intellectual giants and exceptional change-makers who rose from humble beginnings to attain global prominence, with education serving as a powerful catalyst for their transformation and success,” she said.
Through the programme, hundreds of pupils in underserved communities receive nutritious, balanced meals to support their physical growth and overall well-being.
Mrs Fajemirokun explained that the intervention seeks to address classroom hunger while improving school attendance, cognitive development and learning outcomes. She added that access to regular meals has helped children approach their studies with renewed energy, improved concentration and greater enthusiasm for school.
“Beyond addressing hunger, the programme is helping children approach learning with renewed energy, improved concentration, and greater enthusiasm for school. Because of this programme, most children now look forward to going to school to learn and to be well fed,” she said.
Reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to child nutrition and education, Mrs Fajemirokun stressed that no child should be denied the opportunity to reach their full potential because of hunger.
She emphasised that proper nutrition is fundamental to learning and development, explaining that well-nourished children are better positioned to concentrate, participate in classroom activities and achieve their academic potential.
She added that the Foundation’s school feeding initiative goes beyond providing meals, representing an investment in healthier futures, stronger communities and the next generation of leaders.
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