The Kaduna State Government said it spends N4 billion annually to feed schoolchildren in the state.
Governor Uba Sani’s Special Assistant on School Feeding, Dr. Fauziya Buhari-Ado, who said this, explained it was to curb the growing number of out-of-school children in the state.
In a press statement on Sunday, Buhari-Ado said, “No fewer than 25,000 students in 51 boarding schools across the 23 local government areas benefit from the programme since the feeding cost was improved from N540 per child per day to N700 per child per day, translating to about N4 billion annual spending”.
She said the initiative had significantly boosted school enrollment and daily attendance rates and had also stimulated the local economy.
Reiterating her resolve to ensure compliance with menu guidelines, food quality, quantity, hygiene standards, and timely service delivery, she remarked that the state government had saved millions of naira due to the verification of the beneficiaries of the programme in an open and transparent manner.
“In these challenging times, our schools have become beacons of hope and safety for our children. The school feeding programme has relieved parents of the burden of providing for their children’s basic needs, ensuring that no child goes hungry.
“This act alone sends a powerful signal that Kaduna State stands as one, united people. Our children come from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, yet they thrive as one, sleeping together, eating together, and studying together with no differences.
“This unity is the cornerstone of our strength as a state, and it is exemplified through initiatives like the school feeding program.
“Furthermore, the economic impact of the school feeding programme cannot be overlooked. It has not only created opportunities for local food vendors and suppliers but has also stimulated growth in our local economies.
“Kaduna State stands tall amongst all states, as we proudly boast of providing free meals to our future leaders. This translates to about 20 million free meals served yearly”.
