By Abdullahi Idris, Dutse Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has pledged his administration’s full support for the Federal Government’s pl...
By Abdullahi Idris, Dutse
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has pledged his administration’s full support for the Federal Government’s plans to relaunch the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, describing it as a key driver of educational and economic development.
He made the commitment while receiving the Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding, Dr. Yetunde Adeniji, alongside officials of the Abdullahi Mahmood Foundation (AMF), during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Dutse.
Governor Namadi emphasised that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal administration and has far-reaching impact beyond its core objectives.
“Not only does it help reduce the number of out-of-school children, but it also improves child nutrition,” he said. “Beyond the classroom, it creates economic opportunities for local vendors, farmers, and cooks—uplifting entire communities. It is truly an all-encompassing programme.”
He noted that Jigawa State has historically gone above the national benchmark in supporting school feeding, extending the programme to all primary school pupils.
“While the federal programme covers Primary 1 to 3, Jigawa State has extended it to Primary 4 to 6. We have already made provisions for school feeding in our 2025 budget, and we will continue to prioritise it in the 2026 budget,” the governor added.
He also praised the involvement of the Abdullahi Mahmood Foundation, saying such private-sector participation is vital for the programme’s sustainability.
“This effort requires wide sensitisation. Once people see the real impact, more philanthropists and private organisations will join in. We are proud of this contribution and will continue to support such initiatives,” he said.
In her remarks, Dr. Adeniji commended Governor Namadi’s commitment to education and assured him of the federal government’s support.
“Your passion and investment in education are commendable, and I assure you that Jigawa will be among the first states to benefit once the programme resumes,” she said.
Dr. Adeniji also disclosed that new strategies are being developed to extend the programme to vulnerable children, including those in IDP camps, poor households, and Almajiri schools, through strategic partnerships with non-governmental organisations and private sector actors.
Representatives of the Abdullahi Mahmood Foundation at the meeting announced the launch of their 2025/2026 school feeding and uniform distribution programme, scheduled to begin in Malam Madori and Kaugama Local Government Areas.
According to the Foundation, the initiative—carried out in partnership with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President—aims to reach 200 schools and cover at least 30% of enrolled pupils in its first phase.
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