Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emphasized during a meeting with a World Bank delegation in Abuja that prioritizing early childhood development is essential for enhancing the growth and mental acuity of children. She highlighted that the federal government remains dedicated to executing initiatives that foster national progress.
Speaking through her aide, Busola Kukoyi, Senator Tinubu praised the current administration’s multisectoral efforts, noting that the president has gathered a skilled team to handle various national challenges. She specifically mentioned ongoing work in environmental sanitation, the Green Challenge, and tuberculosis awareness campaigns.
The First Lady expressed a strong commitment to establishing a sustainable school feeding program, a goal she intends to achieve in collaboration with the wives of state governors. She noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu maintains a deep interest in this initiative, mirroring his previous efforts as Governor of Lagos State.
Dr. Mathew Verghis, the World Bank Country Director, identified early childhood development as a primary long-term investment for Nigeria. He explained that by focusing on health, nutrition, and cognitive development from pregnancy through age five, the country can significantly reduce poverty and lower healthcare costs over time. He urged the First Lady to leverage her influence to champion a coordinated, multisectoral strategy for these programs.
The World Bank considers Nigeria a vital partner, noting that the bank’s success in meeting global development targets in healthcare, broadband, and energy is closely tied to Nigeria’s progress. While acknowledging that returns on early childhood investments take time to materialize, Dr. Verghis maintained that such initiatives are among the most effective public-sector investments available.
