For Olawumi Fajemirokun, ensuring children have access to education also means addressing the challenges that can hinder their ability to learn, particularly hunger and poor nutrition. As Executive Director of the Oladele Fajemirokun Foundation, she is overseeing an early childhood school feeding programme that provides nutritious meals to pupils in selected public primary schools, easing the burden on low-income families. According to Fajemirokun, hunger has contributed to poor concentration, absenteeism and low school enrolment in underserved communities, prompting the foundation to introduce the initiative. “Beyond addressing hunger, the programme is helping children approach learning with renewed energy, improved concentration, and greater enthusiasm for school,” she said. She noted that adequate nutrition is essential to children’s physical and cognitive development, adding that no child should be denied the opportunity to reach their potential because of hunger. The foundation plans to extend the programme to three additional schools in the new academic session. Beyond child nutrition and education, the organisation also supports healthcare, economic empowerment and community development. Its Business Innovation and Talent Expression (BITE) programme provides mentorship, enterprise training and business support for young entrepreneurs and innovators.
