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The Federal Government has launched a new breakfast initiative, “Snacks for Thought” (PBAT FEEDS), aimed at improving learning outcomes by addressing child hunger in schools across Nigeria.
The programme, introduced under the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (RH-NHGSFP), is designed to provide nutritious morning meals to pupils before the start of academic activities.
Speaking at the launch held at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja, the National Programme Manager of RH-NHGSFP, Dr. Princess Aderemi F. Adebowale, described the initiative as a strategic move to strengthen the country’s human capital development.
She noted that the initiative goes beyond feeding, positioning it as a comprehensive approach that connects nutrition with education and productivity.
According to Adebowale, the programme is expected to enhance pupils’ concentration and cognitive performance, boost school attendance and retention, and support local agricultural value chains through structured food procurement.
She added that it would also create opportunities for women, youth, and smallholder farmers involved in the supply chain.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, she said the government had taken a firm decision to ensure that no child begins the school day on an empty stomach, stressing that hunger remains a major barrier to effective learning.
As part of the rollout, an “Adopt-a-School” platform was also unveiled to encourage participation from government agencies, private sector players, and development partners in expanding the reach of the feeding programme.
The event attracted ministers, members of the National Assembly, heads of government agencies, development partners, and other key stakeholders, reflecting broad institutional support for the initiative.
Schoolchildren present at the launch, holding meal packs, symbolised what officials described as a renewed national focus on nutrition-driven education and inclusive development.
The “Snacks for Thought” initiative is expected to complement existing school feeding efforts by ensuring that children are properly nourished at the start of the school day, thereby improving their readiness to learn.
The RH-NHGSFP remains one of the Federal Government’s flagship social investment programmes, targeting improved child nutrition, better educational outcomes, and strengthened local agricultural systems nationwide.
