School Feeding Program: Hon. Benjamin Kalu Calls For Nutrient Quality Check

Member representing Bende Federal Constituency and Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has emphasised on the need to ensure sufficient presence of nutrients in the foods made available to school kids by handlers of school feeding program across the country.

The lawmaker made the call when he joined the Live Strong With Iron Campaign organized by NESTLE Nigeria PLC.

Our correspondent gathered that the Live Strong With Iron Campaign is a campaign with the objective of increasing public awareness of Iron deficiency, its impact on individuals, families and nations, and to highlight remedies and solutions.

This project was launched by NESTLE in the Central and West Africa in 2019

Speaking at the event, Rep. Benjamin Kalu commended the private sector for their participation in Nation building, reiterating the mantra of the 9th National Assembly which is Nation Building-a joint task, beyond the 3 arms of government.

He recalled that the global pandemic has disclosed the gaps within the health sector as well as individuals.

He added that he is delighted to be one of the voices of the campaign at this time because in bridging the gap we have to look out for what is sustainable.

He highlighted that the Live Strong with Iron Campaign is a sustainable way of staying healthy, seeing that as humans, there are so many symptoms associated with lack of iron in the body system

“Most people feel these symptoms which include headache, weight loss, hair loss, high blood pressure, weakness, difficulty in concentrating amongst others without knowing that it is caused by Iron deficiency”

He applauded the advocacy and called on the Ministry of Health and Education to support the project especially as it concerns the School feeding program, taking cognizance of iron contained in the food given to the students in the adequate quantity.

He also called on the Ministry of Information and the National Orientation Agency to have a buy-in on this advocacy and ensure that they raise the bar with this information.
The more people are educated, the more they can appreciate the sources of this food supplement.

He concluded saying that as a house, they will always stand by Nigerians in these needs analysis and also take the necessary steps to ensure they are solved adequately.

He assured the participants that he would also use his office as the chairman media and publicity to the awareness of the advocacy within the members of the National Assembly.