This was disclosed in a statement issued by Adeniji’s media team in Abuja on Wednesday.
Tinubu had, on Monday, disclosed that the 2024 budget includes N100 billion allocation for the feeding programme.
The president, who made the statement at the signing of the 2024 Appropriation Bill into law at the State House, added that the provision will serve as a stimulant to encourage attendance in schools and reduce the problem of out-of-school children.
Reacting via a statement on Wednesday, Adeniji said the allocation demonstrated the empathy and compassion Tinubu has for Nigerian children.
She said, “The 28.7 trillion 2024 budget signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on January 1 is one of empathy and compassion as far as the N100 billion allocated for school feeding programme is concerned.
“It clearly demonstrates Mr President’s unwavering dedication to the well-being and upliftment of the Nigerian people.
“I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Mr President for his visionary decision to re-introduce the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme which will play a crucial role in removing children from the streets, including improved enrollment and enhancing the socio-economic activities of the host communities where these schools are situated.
“Additionally, the substantial allocation of funds in the 2024 budget reflects the importance placed on this initiative.”
Adeniji further assured Tinubu and Nigerians that the allocation would be judiciously utilised for actualisation of the FG’s Renewed Hope agenda.
During the signing at the State House, Tinubu stated that “one of the priority areas of the bill we just passed is the N100 billion provision for the feeding of school children. I believe that is a stimulant that will encourage school enrolment and also address malnutrition among school children.”
“I will be meeting with local government at sub-national levels so that we can collaborate and jointly implement an all-inclusive programme,” the President said.
The President also confirmed that the budget, christened “Renewed Hope” is anchored on reducing the recurrent expenditure, but increasing capital expenditure.
Earlier in December, Tinubu ordered the reintroduction of the school feeding programme and mandated its transfer from the Humanitarian Ministry to the Education Ministry.
The programme, previously halted under former President Muhammadu Buhari, will now fall under the Education Ministry’s purview, aiming to not only provide nutritious meals to pupils but also encourage attendance and enhance learning.
