Seyi Jakande Launches “Jako Jollof” Free Lunch Initiative To Boost School Attendance And Learning Motivation
By Emmanuel Daniji
In a bold and heartwarming move to improve school attendance and learning motivation among public primary school pupils, the Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Seyi Jakande, has launched a new initiative tagged “Jako Jollof”, a free lunch programme offering Jollof rice and eggs every Friday to pupils across all 28 public primary schools in the LCDA.
The initiative was officially unveiled at St. Martin’s Primary School, Damegoro, on Friday, October 17, 2025, where excited pupils, teachers, and community leaders gathered to witness what many described as a creative blend of education, nourishment, and motivation.
Speaking with Echonews, Jakande explained that the programme aims to encourage regular school attendance and improve pupils’ learning behaviour, especially after reports showed a decline in attendance across public primary schools.
“If a child knows that every Friday comes with a delicious plate of Jollof rice and egg, he or she will be more eager to attend school,” the Chairman remarked. “We want to make learning exciting while easing the burden on parents who struggle to provide lunch,” he added.
Under the initiative, school food vendors will receive weekly financial support to prepare high-quality Jollof rice and eggs for pupils in their respective schools. A major highlight of the event was the presentation of cash support to each vendor to enable them to purchase standard cooking utensils, coolers, and containers to ensure hygiene and quality in food delivery.
Supervisors were inaugurated and assigned to monitor food quality, taste, and hygiene, with the Chairman pledging to make unannounced visits to schools to ensure consistency in both quantity and standards.
The programme’s catchy slogan, “Jako Jollof — Thank God It’s Friday,” perfectly captured the joyful spirit of the day, as pupils from all 28 schools who attended the unveiling became the first beneficiaries of the free meal.
Jamiu Falana, a Permanent Member of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), commended the initiative, describing it as “innovative and people-oriented.”
“Chairman Jakande has shown uncommon creativity. Research has revealed a drop in public school enrollment, but initiatives like this can change that narrative,” Falana noted.
Also speaking, Princess Olu Akinlude, the Education Secretary of the Mushin Local Government Education Authority, disclosed that community stakeholders within the school management system will be fully engaged to ensure the programme’s success through proper oversight of food vendors and support systems.
The event also marked the completion of the LCDA’s earlier “Back-to-School Kit” distribution programme, which provided essential learning materials to pupils across schools in the area.
As the “Jako Jollof” programme officially kicks off next week, parents and community members have expressed optimism that it will not only fill stomachs but also rekindle enthusiasm for learning, foster discipline, and strengthen the bond between school and community across Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA.
