President Bola Tinubu has officially signed the 2024 budget, ushering in a new era of hope and commitment to Nigeria’s school children.
The budget, aptly named “Renewed Hope,” allocates a substantial N100 billion towards revitalizing the school feeding programs across the nation.
During the signing ceremony at the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized the strategic importance of the provision, stating that it serves as a powerful stimulant to encourage school enrollment and combat the persistent issue of out-of-school children.
The move reflects a multi-faceted approach to tackle educational challenges while addressing malnutrition among the younger population.
President Tinubu articulated his vision for the program, stating, “One of the priority areas of the bill we just passed is the N100 billion provision for the feeding of school children. I believe that is a stimulant that will encourage school enrolment and also address malnutrition among school children.”
The allocation is not merely a financial commitment but a strategic initiative to collaborate with local governments at the sub-national levels.
The President expressed his intent to work closely with these entities to ensure the effective implementation of an all-inclusive program that benefits children across the country.
Earlier in December, President Tinubu had underscored the importance of reintroducing the school feeding program, redirecting it from the Humanitarian Ministry to the Education Ministry.
This decision signifies a deliberate effort to align the initiative with the overarching goal of providing not only nutritious meals to pupils but also fostering increased attendance and improved learning outcomes.
The “Renewed Hope” budget reflects President Tinubu’s dedication to reshaping the country’s educational landscape by reducing recurrent expenditure and bolstering capital expenditure.
The N100 billion allocation for school feeding programs is poised to play a pivotal role in achieving these objectives, contributing to the holistic development of Nigeria’s future generation.
As the nation anticipates the positive impact of this strategic allocation, the focus on education and child welfare stands out as a beacon of hope, signaling a commitment to building a brighter and healthier future for Nigeria.
President Tinubu’s vision encapsulates a transformative agenda, emphasizing the pivotal role education plays in shaping the destiny of the nation.