The Federal Government announced on Friday its intention to include Almajiris, traditionally itinerant Islamic students, in the National Home-grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP).
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Schools Feeding, Dr. Yetunde Adeniji, shared this information during a visit to the Executive Governor of Nasarawa state, Abdullahi A. Sule, in Lafia.
The initiative involves conducting headcounts of Almajiris nationwide, with the aim of enrolling them in the ongoing NHGSFP. Dr. Adeniji emphasized the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare and educational opportunities for children, particularly focusing on marginalized groups.
Governor Abdullahi A. Sule endorsed the plan, urging the Federal Government to prioritize the inclusion of Almajiris in the homegrown school feeding program. He commended the efforts of Dr. Adeniji and emphasized the need to provide improved livelihoods for Almajiris, envisioning a positive impact on eradicating child destitution and reducing street begging.
During the visit, Governor Sule requested collaboration between the Office of the SSA and Northern States, urging the conduct of a comprehensive census of Almajiri schools and a headcount of destitute children. This effort aims to seamlessly integrate them into the NHGSFP.
The Nasarawa State Government pledged its support to achieve the program’s objectives, with Governor Sule expressing confidence that the inclusion of Almajiris would contribute to taking them off the streets while providing essential nutrition and education.
The statement also highlighted the commendation from the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, who praised the proactive methods of the Senior Special Assistant. Governor Sani affirmed Kaduna state’s commitment to collaborating with the SSA’s office to enhance the success of the program and improve the nutritional value for participating children.