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Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for international support to implement a climate-friendly school meal program aimed at increasing school enrollment among vulnerable children.

Mrs. Tinubu made the appeal on Tuesday during a roundtable lunch hosted by the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), in collaboration with the Rockefeller Foundation. The event took place on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where the First Lady highlighted Nigeria's urgent need for assistance in addressing education and food security challenges.

Focusing on the program's goals, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the need to develop sustainable school meal initiatives to boost enrollment, particularly in northern Nigeria, where desertification and flooding have severely impacted education. She cited the recent flooding in Borno State as a critical example of the environmental challenges affecting communities and reiterated her optimism that these issues can be addressed with international collaboration.

In a statement released by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady assured Nigerians of the administration's commitment to restoring stability and improving citizens' welfare.

Acknowledging the dual benefits of the school feeding program in enhancing nutrition and increasing school attendance, Mrs. Tinubu noted that the initiative is currently under review. She highlighted complementary efforts by President Bola Tinubu's administration, including the declaration of a state of emergency on food security.

Mrs. Tinubu also shared details about her initiatives, such as the Young Farmers Club Nigeria and the Every Home A Garden Competition, aimed at promoting nutritious meals and empowering communities.

"Nigeria is open to assistance in this area. We want to ensure school enrollment increases, particularly for children in the North affected by desertification and flooding," Mrs. Tinubu said. "It is a hydra-headed problem, but we are not deterred. We need all the assistance we can get and assure you that this administration is dedicated to working for the Nigerian people and putting the country back on its feet."

The roundtable lunch, attended by other OAFLAD members, sought to integrate the school meal agenda into the G20's engagement with the African Union.