Osun State Government has initiated a comprehensive probe into the suspected case of food poisoning that impacted 18 students at St. James Primary School (B), Owoope, Osogbo.
The announcement was made public through a press release issued by Mr. Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, on Tuesday.
The directive for the investigation came from the Governor of Osun, Mr Ademola Adeleke, who has also ordered an immediate halt to the school’s food service operations.
In response to the incident, the culinary staff involved in the school’s meal program, along with their planning officer, were called to a meeting on the same day.
Governor Adeleke has mandated strict adherence to food safety protocols and a thorough review of the O-Meal program’s procedures to prevent any similar incidents in the future.
The state administration has taken responsibility for the medical expenses of the pupils, ensuring they received proper care until their release from an undisclosed medical facility.
Mr Nathaniel Ojetola, the Chairman of the Local Government Education Authority, confirmed that all 18 affected pupils have been treated and are no longer hospitalised.
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The press release further highlighted that out of the school’s total enrollment of 200 students, only 103 participate in the O-Meal program.
In a show of solidarity, a delegation from the government is scheduled to visit the families of the pupils who fell ill.