Olalekan Adetayo, Abuja

The Presidency has said counterpart funding from states is not required to start the implementation of the Federal Government’s National Home-grown School Feeding programme.

It said the present administration had already provided N93.1bn in the 2016 budget for the effective implementation of the programme.



The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice-President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, made the clarification in a statement on Tuesday.

The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, had recently said the programme must be implemented without the proposed 40 per cent counterpart funding from states.

The governor, who said the school feeding programme was purely a contract between the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government and Nigerians, asked, “Were states consulted before the APC made the promise during the presidential campaign? How can you make a promise and win election on the basis of that promise and now expect states to help you to fulfil the promise? That to me is fraud!”

But Akande said while states were active participants in the school feeding plan, their “counterpart funding is not required to start the programme’s implementation.”

He said willing states were however being encouraged to complement the programme so it could reach more pupils.

He said state governments could and would not be compelled to do that.

Akande however admitted that states’ support was vital whether they were able to provide funds in addition to what the Federal Government would do or not.

He said, “We want the states to embrace this programme, it is good for the people, it’s a win-win for everyone. School feeding programme is not a counterpart funding arrangement model, no.

“What we have is a plan where the Federal Government provides 100 per cent feeding costs for pupils in primary one to three in all public primary schools in the country.

“The Presidency has made adequate arrangements for the HGSF to happen and by the grace of God, we are going forward to do exactly that.

“But what is interesting is the fact that some states have actually gone ahead to start the school feeding programme on their own, while some others are also making such a plan.

“In that case, more primary school pupils would be fed in the final analysis.”

Akande assured stakeholders that if a state was not able to fund the school feeding in Primary 4 to 6, the Federal Government would not abandon such a state but instead go ahead and feed pupils from Primary 1 to 3.

Specifically he disclosed that 5.5 million schoolchildren would be fed free of charge for 200 school days in the first phase of the home-grown school feeding programme starting this year.

But when the programme is completed, over the course of the elected four-year term of the Presidency, he said the number would rise to over 20 million.

He said pupils from 18 states – three per geopolitical zone – would be fed for 200 school days under the programme.

Besides fully funding the programme for pupils in primaries 1 to 3, Akande, said the Federal Government would also provide technical assistance that would allow states design their context-specific state owned models.

He said such assistance would come with partner experience and support in key areas of health education and agriculture, and would allow the managers of the programme to understand the concept of the school feeding.

Regarding how the funds would be disbursed, Akande said the money would come from the Federal Government and go straight to caterers and other beneficiaries at a rate of N70 per meal per pupil.

He said the feeding programme, though a part of the APC manifesto, was also an African Union inspired scheme to grow the continent while ensuring that pupils go to schools.

He added that the programme was also embedded within the National School Health Policy and the Universal Basic Act of the FGN 2004.
Source:http://www.punchng.com/states-not-required-to-fund-feeding-programme-says-presidency/

Socialist government.

Feed children
Pay N5000
Employ 3000000 youths

It is not sustainable. It creates a society where people can't think of anything but are dependent on handouts from the government.

Provide infrastructure.
Roads power water.
Encourage and support youths that focus on processing raw materials to finished products

Be realistic in terms of our currency exchange. (The current situation is like pouring water into a leaking basket)
We have the population encourage production

K

This is Socialism. Government should free itself from all this unnecessary expenses...

We need power,Good security system, rail system and good roads....

SamuelAnyawu:
This is Socialism. Government should free itself from all this unnecessary expenses...

We need power,Good security system, rail system and good roads....

You have no clue what immense benefits that are inherent in the programme. The fact that you wake up to a sumptuous breakfast in your house doesn't mean everyone does.

Very good. Feed pry 1-3 pupils in all states. Any state that likes the program can compliment the fg.so if ekiti govt decides not to compliment its their head ache. The program will put more money into the society and more jobs for catering people. More production for farmers. The ripple effect is massive. Thanks to pmb

I just don't get this at all
It is not as if this pupils have not been eating
I know most Nigerian family will order their kids not to take that food

There are so many ways this money can be utilized mister president.... if this money was pumped into the unity schools it will benefit more people

If this money was pumped as loan to the shoe industry in Aba and Kano it will yeild better results

Ibaka deep sea Port will be ready with this money mister president

We are not ready for all this jamboree for now

My thoughts tho

SamuelAnyawu:
This is Socialism. Government should free itself from all this unnecessary expenses...

We need power,Good security system, rail system and good roads....

obit what's your problem. Govt no do. Una go complain. Govt do una go still complain. Did fg not budget for capital projectS. So they shouldn't fulfill their campaign promise again. Na wa for human beings. Igbos are still too bitter after the election loss.

bejeiodus:
You have no clue what immense benefits are inherent in the programme. Because you wake up to a sumptuous breakfast in your house doesn't mean everyone does.

Give a man fish .....you've fed him for the day

Teach a man to fish .....you've fed him for life.

People have been struggling to eat even before this administration. People will still struggle to eat if they are taught to wait for free food from government.

Fayose take note.................but N70 per meal is poor sha

I think fayose can now shutup nw

gmaribel:
Socialist government.

Feed children
Pay N5000
Employ 3000000 youths

It is not sustainable. It creates a society where people can't think of anything but are dependent on handouts from the government.

Provide infrastructure.
Roads power water.
Encourage and support youths that focus on processing raw materials to finished products

Be realistic in terms of our currency exchange. (Its like pouring water into a leaking basket)
We have the population encourage production

The school feeding programme is a laudable one, and every Nigerian must encourage the government to extend it to pupils in primary four to six....If you have ever taught in a public primary school, you won't hold this warped opinion.

mrvitalis:
I just don't get this at all
It is not as if this pupils have not been eating
I know most Nigerian family will order their kids not to take that food

There are so many ways this money can be utilized mister president.... if this money was pumped into the unity schools it will benefit more people

If this money was pumped as loan to the shoe industry in Aba and Kano it will yeild better results

Ibaka deep sea Port will be ready with this money mister president

We are not ready for all this jamboree for now

My thoughts tho

guy relax. Oyingbo if u want loan for business. Fg has a plan for that. Just relax. Go pick the budget and digest it. You will see the provision for loan for smes. This feeding program was part of our campaign promises. Like this feeding program will benefit me and a whole lot of people here in warri. Caterers full delta state. #70 per pupil no be joke.

While I think it's a good move, using food to encourage education, I also believe it's ill timed. There are more pressing economic needs that requires attention. (pls don't ask me if you don't know them already)
The government is just in a haste to 'fulfill campaign promises'.
Anyways, I hope the program is run well and not left to the mercy of contractors and middle men who would muzzle the program for profit sake.

gmaribel:


Give a man fish .....you've fed him for the day

Teach a man to fish .....you've fed him for life.

People have been struggling to eat even before this administration. People will still struggle to eat if they are taught to wait for free food from government.

what are u even saying. Advanced countries so give their citizens social welfare packages. Have you been to the north. People don't go to school there. Food will encourage children to come to school. Common biscuit and groundnut even they make men attend zonal meeting. You guys are just wailing unnecessarily . This na people office o.

gmaribel:


Give a man fish .....you've fed him for the day

Teach a man to fish .....you've fed him for life.

People have been struggling to eat even before this administration. People will still struggle to eat if they are taught to wait for free food from government.

These are not adults but school children who are still too young to fend for themselves...I have taught in a public school and words are not enough to describe the poverty and the privation that I saw during my time in the school. Truancy and absenteeism will also be reduced as the thought of being fed at break time will spur many school kids to go to school. The programme also has the added benefits of providing jobs as farmers and caterers are going to be engaged.

bejeiodus:
The school feeding programme is a laudable one, and every Nigerian must encourage the government to extend it to pupils in primary four to six....If you have ever taught in a public primary school, you won't hold this warped opinion.

Oga it is not sustainable......come to think if it, what is the quality of food that will be served? (Rice and palm oil?) Under what conditions will it be prepared (since it will be mass produced) Will it be served by overworked and underpaid teachers?

In Kaduna state where it is being piloted children just come to school to eat and immediately after eating, abscond. In osun state the burden is telling on the finance of the state. IMO state started it but later came to terms with reality.

frenchwine:
While I think it's a good move, using food to encourage education, I also believe it's ill timed. There are more pressing economic needs that requires attention. (pls don't ask me if you don't know them already)
The government is just in a haste to 'fulfill campaign promises'.
Anyways, I hope the program is run well and not left to the mercy of contractors and middle men who would muzzle the program for profit sake.

what do you mean ill planned. It was appropriated for in the budget. So they should just leave the program because economy is bad. Una even go school sef. You are talking for yourself. The children also needs to benefit from the govt too. There is no better time to invest in the people and economy than now.

an educated society...a more saner environment.....the big picture.

Kudos!

Ok.

gmaribel:


Oga it is not sustainable......come to think if it, what is the quality of food that will be served? (Rice and palm oil?) Under what conditions will it be prepared (since it will be mass produced) Will it be served by overworked and underpaid teachers?

In Kaduna state where it is being piloted children just come to school to eat and immediately after eating, abscond. In osun state the burden is telling on the finance of the state. IMO state started it but later came to terms with reality.

you think this govt no get sense. Those 500,000 teachers What Will be their job. This is not pdp govt where things are done anyhow. Moreso when we reach that bridge we will cross it. Problems are made to be solved.

gmaribel:


Oga it is not sustainable......come to think if it, what is the quality of food that will be served? (Rice and palm oil?) Under what conditions will it be prepared (since it will be mass produced) Will it be served by overworked and underpaid teachers?

In Kaduna state where it is being piloted children just come to school to eat and immediately after eating, abscond. In osun state the burden is telling on the finance of the state. IMO state started it but later came to terms with reality.

you think this govt no get sense. Those 500,000 teachers What Will be their job. This is not pdp govt where things are done anyhow. Moreso when we reach that bridge we will cross it. Problems are made to be solved. Critics are bound to be everywhere.

So Fayose was just making the allegation just to blackmail the Buhari government and piosoned the masses mind.
Fayose is a trouble maker.

deandavid:
you think this govt no get sense. Those 500,000 teachers What Will be their job. This is not pdp govt where things are done anyhow. Moreso when we reach that bridge we will cross it. Problems are made to be solved.

Since I am a Nigerian I hope it works out well even though I have strong reservations against it.....

Time will tell!

gmaribel:


Oga it is not sustainable......come to think if it, what is the quality of food that will be served? (Rice and palm oil?) Under what conditions will it be prepared (since it will be mass produced) Will it be served by overworked and underpaid teachers?

In Kaduna state where it is being piloted children just come to school to eat and immediately after eating, abscond. In osun state the burden is telling on the finance of the state. IMO state started it but later came to terms with reality.

Pertinent questions raised. As a good citizen, nothing holds you back from finding out answers to that. Because I foresee that even if FG answers those questions, there are people who'd still ask if the govt was being truthful. So you see how these things also rests on us?
there used to be this far-back tune that's ends thus 'Oya make we join hand, to make Nigeria great'.

See benefits of school meal programmes here: http://m.wfp.org/stories/quick-guide-school-meals

For those against this move, you better have a rethink, come to my village and see how young children live on 0-0-1. This will help a lot, for some it might be their meal for the day. And it equally give parents less worries.

Who con dey lie now?

gmaribel:


Oga it is not sustainable......come to think if it, what is the quality of food that will be served? (Rice and palm oil?) Under what conditions will it be prepared (since it will be mass produced) Will it be served by overworked and underpaid teachers?

In Kaduna state where it is being piloted children just come to school to eat and immediately after eating, abscond. In osun state the burden is telling on the finance of the state. IMO state started it but later came to terms with reality.

The sustainability or lack of it depends on the government....Why don't you wait for the programme to take-off before expressing your jaundiced views.
The mere fact that state governors are yet to pay their teachers' salaries shouldn't stop the federal government from going ahead to fulfill one of its campaign promises.

That the programme failed in some states is not a tenable reason not to give it another try....The Kaduna experience is a distasteful one, but that can be checked.

Nawa, Nigerians can never be pleased. You asked for palatives , dem give you.. You still dey complain. Chai. And gov fayose... Continue running your mouth like a tap water that got its handle destroyed. Government should however try to provide a conducive environment for investment in addition to the feeding program

bejeiodus:
The sustainability or lack of it depends on the government....Why don't you wait for the programme to take-off before expressing your jaundiced views.
The mere fact that state governors are yet to pay their teachers' salaries shouldn't stop the federal government from going ahead to fulfill one of its campaign promises.

That the programme failed in some states is not a tenable reason not to give it another try....The Kaduna experience is a distasteful one, but that can be checked.

Some campaign promises were just that.....promises.

Just as they came to the reality of the unsustainability of the N5000 promise. Pray it doesn't turn out same in this instance.