Dr. Fauziya Buhari-Ado, the Special Assistant on School Feeding for Kaduna State, has encouraged US investors to investigate the state’s bountiful mineral and agricultural resources while endorsing the school feeding program. During a side event at the recent UN General Assembly in New York, she made this appeal.
Dr. Buhari-Ado emphasised in a statement made public on Thursday the advantages of the school feeding program, especially for Nigerian children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Kaduna State Investment Promotion Agency’s PowerPoint presentation urged international investors to think of Kaduna as the next hot spot for investments.
Dr. Buhari-Ado called for partnerships with program coordinators, global leaders, and investors to expand the school feeding initiative throughout the state and beyond. She emphasized that the program could facilitate collaboration with international organizations, NGOs, and private investors to enhance its reach.
The free boarding School Feeding Program aims to improve educational outcomes and combat hunger among students. Dr. Buhari-Ado shared that the initiative provides three square meals daily to all boarding schools in the state, benefiting primarily children from low-income families, with about 80% of boarding schools located in rural areas.
She stated, “This initiative has increased school enrollment and retention while addressing children’s nutritional wellbeing. Studies show that well-fed children perform better academically. Our success stems from a well-structured framework for monitoring, evaluation, and audit, ensuring transparency and accountability.”
The Special Assistant also pointed out the potential for sustainable farming practices to bolster the agricultural sector, aligning with broader food security and sustainability goals. “The Kaduna State School Feeding Program has demonstrated that education and nutrition can intersect to foster long-term social and economic development. We invite you to join us in scaling this initiative, improving the lives of millions of children, and contributing to the local economy’s growth. Together, we can build a brighter future for Africa’s next generation,” she concluded.
