Students with Hands Raised. Representational Image.
Students with Hands Raised. Representational Image. IBTimes NG

The first lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged international development partners to aid the country in its efforts to implement climate-friendly school meal programs.

During a roundtable lunch Tuesday arranged by the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Oluremi emphasized how important school feeding programs were for increasing student enrollment and improving nutrition.

The roundtable, which included other members of OAFLAD, aimed to make school meals an important topic in the African Union's discussions with the G20.

She highlighted how school meals can help address educational and nutritional issues, mentioning that Nigeria's school feeding program was currently being reviewed to align with the government's broader goals of food security and climate resilience.

"President Bola Tinubu has already declared a state of emergency on food security," the first lady said, as per the official statement issued on X (formerly known as Twitter).

She also highlighted initiatives, such as the "Young Farmers Club Nigeria" and the "Every Home a Garden Competition," which were being led by her office, demonstrating the current government's commitment to providing nutritious meals to vulnerable children.

The senator also recognized the major challenges Nigeria faces, especially with its growing population and climate-related issues like desertification and flooding, adding that outside help was essential for a sustainable implementation of climate-friendly school meals.

"Nigeria is open to assistance in that area. We need all the help we can get, especially for children in the North facing desertification and those affected by recent floods. We are determined to work for our people and get Nigeria back on its feet," she said.

In July, the National Council on Nutrition (NCN) approved new strategies to tackle malnutrition and food insecurity in Nigeria, aligned with the government's goal to enhance the nutritional well-being of Nigerians.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who also served as the chairman of NCN, urged active participation from ministries, agencies, development partners and stakeholders. Shettima highlighted the importance of the newly established Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit, operating under the Presidential Economic Coordination Committee.