By Ayo Onikoyi

A public-spirited private organisation, the Oladele Fajemirokun Foundation, has eased the financial burden on indigent families across the country by instituting the “Early Childhood School Feeding Programme” for pupils in some select public primary schools thereby encouraging school enrolment and fostering a conducive environment for effective learning.

The Executive Director of the Foundation, Mrs, Olawumi Fajemirokun, disclosed in a statement that the intervention was necessitated by the observation of the inability of some poor families to support their children’s education with proper and quality nutritions which negatively impacts their education.

According to Fajemirokun, teachers often complain about the lack of concentration of the pupils at school due to non availability of food and other essential accessories needed for effective learning. This she said has resulted in low enrolment,, abseteeism, and truancy among the pupils thereby putting their future in peril.

“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 “Early Childhood School Feeding Programme of Oladele Fajemirokun Foundation, hundreds of pupils in underserved communities now receive nutritious, balanced meals required for proper physiological growth and overall wellbeing.

Mrs. Fajemirokun said as the Foundation tackled classroom hunger and supporting child nutrition, the initiative helps improve school attendance, cognitive development, and learning outcomes.

“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 further explained.

Speaking on the Foundation’s continued investment in child nutrition and education, the Executive Director emphasized that no child should be denied the opportunity to reach their full potential because of hunger, adding that nutrition is fundamental to learning and development.

She noted that when children were well nourished, they would be better able to concentrate, participate in class, and achieve their academic potential. She added that through the school feeding programme, the Foundation was not only providing meals; but also investing in healthier futures, stronger communities, and the next generation of leaders.

Mrs Fajemirokun disclosed plans by the Foundation to adopt 3 more schools in the new academic session, saying beyond school feeding, the Foundation continues to deliver impactful interventions across healthcare, nutrition, economic empowerment, and community development

Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, the programme has contributed to improved health outcomes for children while promoting long-term household resilience and food security.In the area of youth development and entrepreneurship, the Foundation’s Business Innovation and Talent Expression (BITE) programme continues to nurture young innovators, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers through mentorship, enterprise training, and business support opportunities.