Olusegun Adeyemo
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining and strengthening the Osun Elementary School Feeding and Health Programme (O-Meal), describing it as a critical pillar for child nutrition and educational development in the state.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ conference in Abuja themed “Sustainability of O-Meal for Improved Children Nutrition in Osun State Homegrown School Feeding Programme”, the governor called for increased support from development partners and donor agencies to scale up the programme’s impact.
The O-Meal programme, launched in 2006, is a homegrown initiative aimed at enhancing child nutrition and school enrollment through locally sourced meals. It is implemented in partnership with the African Union Development Agency–New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD).
Governor Adeleke, represented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development, Professor Abdulmaruf Adeleke, highlighted the programme’s relevance in creating a healthy learning environment and empowering local communities.
“Beyond providing nutrition, the programme nurtures the foundation for a more educated, healthier and economically secure future for our state,” he said. “Despite economic headwinds like food inflation, Osun remains committed to expanding the reach and quality of this initiative.”
He urged stakeholders to consider the programme an opportunity for direct social impact. “Every financial or technical contribution impacts children, empowers women, and strengthens communities,” he added.
Attendees included representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), AUDA-NEPAD, and diplomatic envoys from the embassies of Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates. Also present were technocrats, private sector stakeholders, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on the Renewed Hope National Homegrown Feeding Programme, Mrs. Yetunde Adeniji.
AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria’s representative, Agymi Abubakar, praised Osun State for its consistency and leadership in school feeding. He noted the programme’s contribution to increased enrollment, improved child health, and long-term workforce productivity.
“O-Meal is a direct translation of national priorities on human capital development and food security. It aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda and Africa’s Agenda 2063 goal for inclusive prosperity,” Abubakar said, advocating private sector engagement and consistent budgetary commitments for greater sustainability.
In her welcome address, the Osun State Commissioner for Federal Affairs, Chief Mrs. Nike Adeleke, described O-Meal as a “homegrown success story” that has not only endured but flourished.
“Osun remains the only sub-national in Nigeria with an uninterrupted and well-structured school feeding programme. Since 2006, it has served as a model of innovation and impact, currently reaching over 200,000 children,” she noted.
The conference concluded with renewed calls for strategic partnerships and cross-sector collaboration to preserve and expand the O-Meal programme as a model for inclusive development and child welfare across Nigeria.