By Omeiza Ajayi

The Presidency has solicited the support of the Kaduna state government towards the successful implementation of the school feeding programme.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on  School Feeding (SSAPSFP), Dr. Yetunde Adeniji gave the charge when she met with the Kaduna state deputy governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Liman, and the Executive Chairman of the state Inland Revenue Services (KADIRS), Mr. Jerry Adam to achieve the goal.

Adeniji who was in Kaduna to flag- off the First phase of the Value for Money (VFM) Study, in partnership with GAIN, Imperial College and PCD explored collaborative opportunities to advance educational initiatives and ensure sustainable progress in the school feeding program across the state.

The visit which marked the second stage of the nationwide VFM study underscores the presidency’s commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation for the benefit of every child in Kaduna.

The launch for the VFM Research Programme kicked off in Osun State in May 2024. The project aims to ensure the programme delivers maximum impact for schoolchildren and ensure that optimum return on investments are delivered to the Government.

Adeniji commenced her activities  by meeting the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State Her Excellency  Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe at the Deputy Governor’s office Sir Kashim Ibrahim house.

Accompanied by the Deputy Country Director of GAIN International, a representative of PCD Imperial College London a representative from Ministry of Education and UBEC, the State Coordinator KADSIPA Umar Maikudi and the State Programme Manager, Madam Larai Isyaku.

The SSAP met with all relevant State Government Officials to explain the VFM study tailored for the State. Some of those she met were the Commissioner for Health, Commissioner for Education, Permanent Secretary, Business innovation, Deputy Chief of Staff , Permanent Secretary in the Deputy Governor’s office, the Special Adviser on NGOs among others.

At the meeting with House Speaker Yusuf Liman and the Majority Leader, Hon. Munira Suleiman Tanimu, both teams explored collaborative opportunities to advance educational initiatives and ensure sustainable progress in the school feeding programme across the state. 

Also at the parley with the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Inland Revenue Services (KADIRS), Mr. Jerry Adam, along with Executive Directors and key officials, the deliberations focused on exploring avenues for synergy and cooperation to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the school feeding program.

The discussions particularly centered around leveraging local resources and expertise to ensure sustainable funding and support for educational initiatives in Kaduna State.

“Together, we are working towards a future where every child has access to quality education and nutritional support,” she noted while underlining the essence of her working visit to Kaduna state.