The Federal Government has signed a
memorandum of understanding with NASCO Foods limited, Jos, for commercial
production of high nutrient density biscuit for the national school feeding
programme.
This
is part of the free meal promise made during the presidential campaign of the
All Progressives Congress.
Speaking
at the weekend, the Director General and CEO, Federal Institute of Industrial
Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), Dr. Mrs. Gloria Elemo, said the MoU was meant to
provide a strategic guide for the collaboration between the Federal Ministry of
Science and Technology, Federal Institute – of Industrial Research Oshodi and
Nasco Foods Limited, Jos on commercial production of High Nutrient Density
Biscuit.
The
initiative was an innovation of FIIRO for the National School Feeding Programme
in the spirit of the Public-Private Partnership promoted by the Federal
Government of Nigeria.
She
said, ‘‘This is based on the realization that an Institute- on its own cannot
make the much desired impact without collaborating with relevant organizations.
Collaboration with strategic partners/organizations which could commercialize
the Institute’s many innovations.’’
With
this collaboration, Elemo assured that jobs and wealth would be created, while
the national GDP will be enhanced through the productive sector of the economy.
According
to her, ‘‘It is heartwarming that the Federal government of Nigeria is
conscious of the need to provide adequately for the future generation through
the National School Feeding Programme.”
Elemo
added that the programme will lead to increase in pupils’ enrollment in
schools; boost school attendance and child nutrition; enhance retention rates;
promote general improvement in cognitive abilities of children as well as
catalyzing tremendous economic stimulus.
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