Abia State Government Flags Off Free Meal Initiative
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The free schools meal initiative of the Abia state government for public primary schools has been flagged off by the state Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu with a promise to sustain the programme.
Flagging off the first phase of the programme at Ntigha primary school in Isiala Ngwa North LGA, the Governor said the initiative is borne out of a genuine desire to invest in children, adding that he feels indebted to the children who are the future leaders as he feels he has not done all that is expected for them.
According to him, he understands what it means to go to school on empty stomach as well as the pains some parents go through to provide meals for their children, maintaining that under the scheme,every pupil in Abia is sure of at least one meal a day.
The Governor who regretted that tons of food end up in the dust bin daily by the affluent while some children go hungry due to lack, stressed the need to bridge the gap,pointing out that the sustainability of the programme lies on the shoulders of compationate Abia families who are expected to donate a part of what they have to assist the needy in their midst.
He commended those who have already made donations to the programme in cash and school desks and chairs and pleaded with Abia farmers, businessmen and others to cue into the programme.
In his speech, the commissioner for Education, prof Ikechi Mgboji who said that the free meal initiative will increase pupil enrolment,gender parity, create employment opportunities and enhance the well being of pupils decried those who oppose the idea, saying that the well thought out programme by the wife of the governor may well be the best the government has initiated.
In their speeches, the Head of Service of Isiala Ngwa North LGA, lady Sally Anosike and the chairman of the occasion, Odinaka Igwe commended the initiative as it will alleviate the burden on parents and enhance the well being of Abia pupils and called on Abians to support the initiative.
Also presenting goodwill messages, the CEO Goodseed foundation, Raymond Aliga and Mr Eric Opa as well as the Abia state House of Assembly, commissioners,perm secretaries,Transition committee chairmen among others who made donations aligned themselves to the lofty initiative and pledged to support it.
Highlight of the occasion was the deworming of the pupils and the presentation of footballs and school bags.
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