18 students from St. James Primary School B in Owo-Ope, Osun State, have been admitted to hospitals following suspected food poisoning believed to be linked to the government’s free school feeding program.
As reported by Politics Nigeria, parents of the affected pupils revealed that their children began experiencing symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea after consuming the meal provided on Monday, December 11.
The implicated meal reportedly consisted of rice and eggs prepared by food vendor agents associated with the O’ Meal program.
Iya Taiye, a distressed parent, shared that her children returned home in a weakened state after experiencing vomiting and frequent bouts of diarrhea. She pointed fingers at potential saboteurs within the school feeding program and mentioned that her children are currently undergoing treatment at home.
As concerns rise, authorities are expected to investigate the incident, shedding light on the safety measures in place for the government’s free school feeding initiative and ensuring the well-being of students across the region.
“I have invited doctor to treat my children. Other parent took their children to hospital but I have a doctor relation who helped me. My children are receiving treatment inside,” she said.
A reliable school authority verified that more than 50 students experienced some form of impact from the food poisoning incident. Of these, 18 students required hospitalization, and the government has taken steps to address the situation.
In response, the Osun State Government, represented by Commissioner Kolapo Alimi from the Department of Information and Public Enlightenment, has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the reported instances of food poisoning.
The Special Adviser on O-Meal, Grace Oluwaseyi Ayodele, reported the matter to the government, prompting swift action.
He said: “The governor directed stoppage of further food cooking at the affected school pending the outcome of the investigations. The affected cooks in the said schools alongside the Planning officer for the O-Meal programme have also been summoned to a meeting by Tuesday morning.
“The governor has directed enforcement of food standard and control as well as the auditing of the O-Meal structure to forestall future occurrence.”
“The government is settling the medical bills of the affected students as narrated by the Chairman of the Local Government Education Authority, Mr Nathaniel Ojetola. The LGEA Chairman who was at the forefront of the intervention efforts disclosed that a total number of 18 students were treated and discharged.
“The total student population of the school is two hundred while one hundred and three are within the population receiving food from the O-Meal Programme. A government delegation is also visiting families of the affected students.“