During a state visit to France, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered an impassioned plea for global action against hunger, especially in Africa.
Speaking to his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, Tinubu highlighted the urgency of addressing child hunger as a cornerstone for fostering education and development on the continent.
“No child should go to bed hungry in the 21st century,” Tinubu declared, emphasizing the moral imperative for nations to act collectively. He painted a vivid picture of how simple yet meaningful interventions—such as ensuring every African child receives a good sandwich in the classroom or even just one egg a day—could revolutionize access to education. “If an African child is assured of this, there will be no fear of learning,” he added.
Linking Nutrition to Education
Tinubu’s remarks underscored the critical connection between proper nutrition and learning outcomes. Hunger, he argued, remains one of the greatest barriers to education in many African countries, where millions of children face malnutrition daily. Without the assurance of a meal, many children either drop out of school or fail to perform well academically, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
He proposed a collaborative effort between nations and global organizations to create programs that guarantee meals for children in schools. “Investing in the nutrition of our young ones is investing in the future of the world,” Tinubu stated passionately, urging Macron and other global leaders to prioritize child welfare in international development agendas.
A Vision for Change
President Tinubu’s comments come amid rising global discussions on food security and sustainable development, especially in the wake of economic challenges exacerbated by climate change and conflicts. His vision aligns with global goals to eradicate hunger by 2030 and highlights the need for Africa to be at the forefront of these conversations.
Macron, in response, acknowledged the importance of Tinubu’s advocacy and expressed a willingness to explore partnerships aimed at addressing food insecurity in Africa. Both leaders agreed on the need for innovative solutions that combine agricultural investments, international aid, and local initiatives to ensure that children across the continent can thrive.
A Hopeful Outlook
As Tinubu’s call for action resonates across diplomatic circles, it remains to be seen how his vision will materialize in concrete policies and programs. For now, his words have struck a chord, reminding the world that in the 21st century, no child—regardless of where they are born—should have to go to bed hungry or face barriers to learning.
His statement not only highlights Africa’s challenges but also its potential, should its children be empowered with the most basic of tools: proper nutrition and education.
