The Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, on Friday 3rd July, 2026 hosted the statewide closing ceremony of the PBAT FEEDS 'Snacks for Thought' Initiative, bringing to a successful conclusion the three-day pilot phase of the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme implemented simultaneously across the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas of Lagos State.
The pilot initiative, a collaboration between the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), the Lagos State Government and Conference 57, provided nutritious breakfast snacks to approximately 30,000 public primary school pupils in selected schools across Lagos State. Beyond improving child nutrition, the initiative reinforced the critical link between proper nourishment, school attendance, concentration and improved learning outcomes.
Welcoming dignitaries to Ibeju-Lekki, Hon. Olowa described the initiative as a strategic investment in Nigeria's future, noting that every meaningful investment in children is an investment in national development. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing the visionary leadership that inspired the initiative, saying the President's directive to ensure that schoolchildren are fed before learning reflects a deep commitment to the welfare, education and future of Nigerian children.
The Chairman also acknowledged the steadfast support of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for driving the successful implementation of the pilot across Lagos State, as well as the invaluable contributions of Conference 57 and the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas in ensuring the programme reached participating schools at the grassroots.
Representing the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Oluwakemi Garbadine reaffirmed the State Government's commitment to policies and partnerships that strengthen education, improve child nutrition and enhance learning outcomes. She commended the Federal Government, the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, Conference 57 and participating local governments for the successful execution of the pilot phase.
Delivering her address, the National Programme Manager of the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, Princess Aderemi Adebowale, described the initiative as the beginning of a transformative movement that places children at the centre of national development. She noted that the pilot had demonstrated the effectiveness of the Adopt-a-School model and highlighted the launch of the PBAT FEEDS Digital Dashboard, an innovative platform designed to connect corporate organisations, development partners, philanthropists, alumni associations, faith-based organisations and individuals directly with public schools, ensuring transparency, accountability and measurable impact in school feeding interventions.
The ceremony attracted Executive Chairmen from Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas across Lagos State, senior government officials, education stakeholders, development partners, school administrators, teachers and pupils, reflecting the broad support for an initiative that seeks to eliminate classroom hunger while improving educational outcomes.
As the pilot phase formally came to a close, stakeholders expressed optimism that the momentum generated over the past three days would inspire greater public and private sector participation in the Adopt-a-School initiative, expanding access to nutritious meals and creating better learning opportunities for children across Lagos State.
