The Federal Government has announced plans to conduct a comprehensive headcount of Almajiris nationwide and integrate them into the homegrown school feeding programme initiated by the present administration.
Dr. Yetunde Adeniji, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Schools Feeding, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Governor Abdullahi A. Sule of Nasarawa State in Lafia.
In a statement released by Mr. Oyedokun Oyewumi, Special Assistant to the SSA, Dr. Adeniji emphasized that the programme primarily targets children in public schools and highlighted the government’s willingness to consider suggestions regarding the initiative.
She stressed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to enhancing the welfare and educational opportunities for children through the school feeding programme, focusing on integrating marginalized groups like the Almajiris.
Governor Sule, during the meeting, urged the federal government to prioritize including Almajiris in the homegrown school feeding plan. He commended the efforts of the Senior Special Assistant in driving reforms to ensure the success of the school feeding initiative.
The Governor appealed to the SSA, stressing the need to improve the livelihoods of the Almajiris, aiming to eradicate child destitution and remove beggars from the streets.
According to Governor Sule, “Incorporating the Almajiris, a group of traditionally itinerant Islamic students, into the programme will play a pivotal role in getting them off the streets, offering them proper nutrition, and providing access to education.”
He assured Dr. Adeniji of Nasarawa State Government’s full support to achieve the programme’s objectives.
“We urge the SSA’s office, in collaboration with Northern States and relevant institutions, to conduct a comprehensive census of Almajiri schools and conduct headcounts of destitute children with the aim of enrolling them in the ongoing National Home-grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP),” Governor Sule added.
In a separate commendation, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State lauded the proactive approach of the Senior Special Assistant, expressing confidence that partnering with her office would contribute to the programme’s success.
He pledged the Kaduna State government’s commitment to enhancing the nutritional value of the children when the initiative commences.
