…Oyebanji launches “Ikun Free Milk” to boost pupils’ nutrition

By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti

In a major boost to child nutrition and educational development, the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has announced that milk will be added to the meals provided under the Federal Government’s School Feeding Programme once it resumes in the state.

This forms part of a broader initiative aimed at improving the health, academic performance, and overall well-being of primary school pupils.

The Governor made this announcement during the official launch of the “Ikun Milk Day” initiative — a free weekly milk distribution programme for primary school pupils in Ikun Ekiti.

The initiative, spearheaded by Promasidor Nigeria Ltd., operators of Ikun Dairy Farm, forms part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts towards the local community.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Governor Oyebanji emphasised the vital role of nutrition in the physical and cognitive development of children.

He noted that supplementing school meals with milk would enhance pupils’ health, boost school attendance, and encourage increased enrolment in public schools across the state.

“This free milk programme is our way of complementing the Federal Government’s School Feeding Programme while demonstrating our commitment to the welfare of our children,” the Governor said.

He commended Promasidor for its sustained investment in Ekiti and assured the company, as well as other potential investors, of continued government support through policies that encourage ease of doing business, improved infrastructure, and a secure investment climate.

Governor Oyebanji reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing every child in Ekiti with access to quality education and adequate nutrition, which he described as critical pillars of the state’s development agenda.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Muktah, represented by Mr Victor Egbon, praised the success of the Ikun Dairy Farm as a model for effective Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in Nigeria.

He applauded the synergy between the Ekiti State Government and Promasidor, which he said had transformed the farm into a beacon of innovation and productivity in the dairy industry.

The Minister further highlighted the livestock sector’s importance in achieving food security, job creation, and revenue generation, urging stakeholders across the country to adopt and replicate similar partnerships for broader national impact.

In his remarks, Dr Enom Udoma-Eniang, Director of Corporate Affairs at Promasidor, who represented the company’s CEO, thanked Governor Oyebanji for his steadfast support and enabling leadership.

He noted that the free milk programme is Promasidor’s way of giving back to the host community, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to Ekiti State and openness to deeper collaboration.

Earlier, the Governor, accompanied by senior state officials and representatives of Promasidor, toured the Ikun Dairy Farm. The inspection covered the production facilities, feeding areas, and other operational units.

Governor Oyebanji expressed satisfaction with the farm’s progress, including the increased number of healthy cattle, expanded milk production capacity, and the creation of job opportunities for residents.

He praised Promasidor’s role in revitalising the farm and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to making Ikun Dairy a model for agricultural innovation and private sector-led development in Nigeria.