By Peace Erewunmi

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially launched the pilot phase of the Adopt-A-School PBAT Feeds Programme, tagged “Snacks for Thought,” as part of efforts to improve child nutrition, increase school attendance, and enhance learning outcomes among pupils in public primary schools across the state. The initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (RHNSFP).

The programme was unveiled at the Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area (LCDA). Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the initiative as a partnership involving the Federal Government, the Lagos State Government, and the private sector to secure a healthier and brighter future for Nigerian children.

According to the governor, the initiative goes beyond providing food for pupils. He said it is founded on the belief that no child should be denied access to quality education because of hunger. He noted that providing nutritious snacks would improve concentration, classroom participation, academic performance, and school attendance while supporting the physical development of children.

Sanwo-Olu also called on corporate organisations, financial institutions, charitable foundations, alumni associations, faith-based organisations, and other well-meaning individuals to participate by adopting public primary schools under the initiative. He said private-sector involvement would strengthen the sustainability of the programme and expand its reach across Lagos State.

As part of the launch, the governor unveiled the Adopt-A-School Dashboard, a digital platform designed to enhance transparency and accountability. The dashboard will allow sponsors to identify schools, monitor ongoing projects, and track the impact of their interventions in real time.

The governor explained that the programme is also expected to stimulate the local economy by creating greater demand for locally produced food items. According to him, increased patronage of farmers, caterers, food processors, and other agricultural value-chain participants will generate jobs and strengthen local food production.

Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed that education and human capital development remain central to his administration’s THEMES+ Agenda. He noted that the state government will continue investing in school infrastructure, teacher development, digital learning, and health programmes aimed at improving the quality of public education.

The pilot phase of the “Snacks for Thought” programme is expected to benefit thousands of pupils in selected public primary schools, with plans for gradual expansion as more public and private partners join the initiative. Government officials expressed optimism that the programme will contribute to better educational outcomes while addressing childhood hunger and malnutrition across Lagos State.