Obi blasts AGF over London retreat for finance commissioners
School feeding programme to cover basic education – FG
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has berated the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, over the London retreat she organised for state commissioners for finance.
Obi, on Saturday in a lengthy post on his X handle, stated that Nigerians must vehemently denounce and condemn the decision of Nigeria’s AccountantGeneral’s Office to hold a workshop in London.
“This decision is not only unacceptable but also deeply troubling on multiple levels. Given the prevailing hardship in the country and the pitiable state of our national currency and the economy in general, any public function abroad amounts to insensitivity on the part of the government and any agency or individuals involved.
“First and foremost, it represents a blatant disregard for fiscal responsibility and prudent expenditure of public funds.
“At a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic challenges, including inflation, currency devaluation, and a widening budget deficit, it is utterly irresponsible to squander taxpayers money on extravagant overseas workshops,” Obi stated.
He said the resources allocated for such purposes should be directed towards addressing pressing domestic needs like health care, education, infrastructure and poverty alleviation.
The former Anambra State governor also said that holding a workshop in London sent the wrong message to the Nigerian people and the international community.
“It perpetuates the perception of government officials indulging in luxury and extravagance at the expense of the common citizen.
“It fosters a culture of elitism and detachment from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians, who are struggle daily to make ends meet amidst rising living costs and limited access to essential services.
“Moreover, there are serious questions regarding the necessity and effectiveness of conducting a workshop abroad, particularly in a city as expensive as London,” Obi stated.
He noted that Nigeria was home to numerous highly qualified professionals and experts who are more than capable of providing the required training and expertise.
The federal government has said that the suspended Home Grown School Feeding Programme would now cover basic education and not just the primary schools when the suspension order is lifted.
The Director of Basic Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Folake Olatunji-David, said this at the official launch and fund raiser of the Create that Change Development Initiative (CCDI) on Saturday in Abuja.
“This programme (CCD launch) is a lofty idea and it demonstrates your unwavering demonstration in addressing the critical issues that we have in education that is advancing the well-being and development of children, adolescents and the society at large. Your innovation aligns with the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“We all know that we have the homegrown programme that is being put on hold for now. It is coming back stronger and better. Before now, it only covered a segment of primary school. The President (Tinubu) has said it will be for basic education in its entirety.
“We are planning; we don’t just want to come out without planning to ensure as soon as we receive the directive, proper implementation is done. If it is the whole of primary school or basic education, it will be done properly. We await further directives on this,” she said.
Speaking earlier, Mrs Sharon Ayeni, the Executive Director of CCDI, said that the initiative was a vision God gave her to make a meaningful difference in the world to address pressing challenges and to uplift those in need in Nigeria.