• Urges collective action against hunger
In a move to combat hunger at the grassroots, the Foodclique Support Initiative has expanded its school meal programme to 10 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Lagos. This initiative is part of a broader effort to alleviate food insecurity and improve the health and education of children in some of the most underserved communities in the state.
The milestone was highlighted during the organisation’s event, “Celebrating Impact Hunger Heroes: Honoring Our Collective Journey,” held at Marriott Hotels, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos. The programme, which has served nutritious meals to thousands of schoolchildren in need, is a part of Foodclique’s ongoing efforts to tackle hunger through education and community-driven solutions.
Team Lead of Foodclique, Ibrahim Onilegbale, reflected on the group’s achievements, praising the impact of the school meal initiative in Lagos’ 10 local governments.
“Our school meal program has provided nourishment to thousands of children, ensuring they are better equipped to learn and thrive. But this is just one part of a much larger mission to eradicate hunger in Nigeria, and we are calling for collective action to see that vision realised by 2030,” he said.
The initiative, which began over a decade ago, has expanded its reach through strategic partnerships with local governments, sponsors, and volunteers. Onilegbale emphasised that these collaborations have been instrumental in reaching vulnerable communities and ensuring that the most at-risk children have access to proper nutrition.
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Foodclique’s efforts in Lagos include not only meal distribution but also providing long-term support through educational resources and skill-building initiatives for both children and adults.
Onilegbale highlighted that such initiatives are essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and hunger that disproportionately affects children from low-income households.
The organisation also took a moment to reflect on its impactful responses to national crises.
Onilegbale recalled Foodclique’s intervention during the COVID19 pandemic, when the group provided cooked meals to communities across the country. Their ability to adapt quickly and reach those most in need demonstrated the organisation’s capacity for agility in times of crisis.
During the event, Chief Executive Officer of the Noella Foundation, Mrs. Layal Tinubu, emphasized the link between hunger and unemployment. Tinubu, represented by Justice Omenogor, noted that the foundation’s core values—creating jobs and fighting poverty—align closely with Foodclique’s mission to end hunger and create sustainable solutions for the community.
“Creating opportunities for young Nigerians is key to addressing hunger in the long term. When we empower people with employment and the tools to succeed, we not only reduce hunger, but we build a more stable society,” she said.
Founder of Corporate Farmer, Akin Alabi, applauded the scale of Foodclique’s efforts, particularly in its work with local governments. He called for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure food security, especially in urban and rural areas where hunger remains a persistent problem.
“The work Foodclique is doing is making a real difference, but we need to do more. The government and private sector must come together to address food accessibility and affordability in a more systematic way,” he said.
Head of Research and Development at Foodclique, Tomilayo Sadiq, shared insights into the organization’s evolution since its inception.
Sadiq explained: “Our success is built on adaptability. Through smart planning and innovation, we’ve been able to ensure that our interventions reach the people who need them the most.”
Director of Food Sourcing and Fundraising, Mrs. Abosede Fadipe, thanked the sponsors and volunteers for their continuous support. She expressed her belief in Foodclique’s future, saying, “In the next ten years, I see Foodclique as one of the most influential organizations in the world, not just in Africa. We are committed to creating lasting change, and together, we will make a real impact.”