Following reports generated through its feedback mechanism that some food vendors have not been feeding pupils despite getting paid, Ogun State Government has warned all food vendors enlisted in the School Feeding programme to desist from the unwholesome practices.

Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Barr. Femi Ogunbanwo dropped the warning in Ijebu-Ode during a meeting with the vendors across the three Senatorial Districts of the State, saying the government would not tolerate any negligence and absenteeism from work.

Ogunbanwo reiterated that the objectives of the programme which were to enhance the nutritional value of children, increase the enrollment and retainership, increase agricultural production in the States and empower women should not be endangered.

"Reports reaching us through our feedback unit indicated that some cooks get money but no longer feed the selected children which we find embarrassing, and we have to act fast to curb the menace so that the children do not suffer while they also short- change the government, there will be zero tolerance for negligence and absenteeism by any cooks," he said

He added that names of any cook that failed to carry out their responsibilities effectively would be sent to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development for removal from the scheme.  

According to the Commissioner, the government has put in place a robust plan for the sustainability of the programme, noting the required standard for hygiene, quality, and quantity of food expected to be given to the pupils have been spelled out.

Speaking, the Chairman, Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Emilola-Gazal lauded President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for coming up with the programme, and the huge contributions of Governor Dapo Abiodun towards its successful implementation in the State.

Emilola-Gazal emphasised the need for the vendors to be committed to work and put-up utmost sincerity to satisfy their conscience.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi stated that the essence of the meeting was to correct the anomalies faced during the process of monitoring and to further deliberate on how to move the Homegrown School Feeding Programme forward in the State.

Akinlesi enjoined the vendors, aggregators, and other cold chain partners to be sincere enough in the discharge of their duties.

Responding on behalf of the food vendors, Mrs. Bolaji Ajibola a cook in Omoluabi Primary School in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area of the State appreciated the government for the implementation of the programme, appealing to the Governor to keep giving his support for the programme to achieve its desired objectives.