By Jude Opara, Abuja
The Special Assistant to Kaduna State Governor on School Feeding Programme, Dr. Fauziya Buhari-Ado, has advocated for stronger humanitarian leadership and strategic partnerships to enhance food security and promote sustainable economic transformation in Africa.
Dr. Buhari-Ado who made the call while receiving the 2025 4th Humanitarian Bootcamp Award in Nairobi, Kenya,
said genuine leadership must be based on empathy, compassion, and actionable policies that advance the welfare of the people.
In her presentation, titled “Feeding the Future: Leveraging Humanitarian Leadership to Achieve Food Security and Economic Transformation in Africa,” Dr. Buhari-Ado expressed profound appreciation to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, for his vision, trust, and leadership in championing the Kaduna State School Feeding Programme, a flagship social intervention she noted provides daily meals to thousands of schoolchildren across the state.
“Governor Uba Sani’s confidence in my capacity to serve has made it possible to impact the lives of children across Kaduna State,” she stated. “Under his leadership, the School Feeding Programme has become a model of inclusive development — improving nutrition, boosting school attendance, empowering women, and supporting local farmers.”
In a statement on Friday, Fauziya said the initiative is an all encompassing approach that strengthens multiple sectors of the economy, adding that every meal served goes beyond nourishment to symbolize hope, care, and opportunity for even generations yet unborn.
“Each meal we provide is not just food; it is a bridge to learning, a shield against poverty, and a promise that we see these children, we care for them, and we will not abandon them,” Dr. Buhari-Ado said. “Feeding our children is not charity — it is nation-building.”
She also paid tribute to outstanding women leaders who have played pivotal roles in advancing humanitarian and leadership development across Africa.
Dr. Buhari-Ado particularly commended Dr. Martina Nentawe Yilwatda, Patron of the Women’s Leadership Network, for her foresight and mentorship, as well as Mrs. Deborah Hornecker, the Network’s founder, for her resilience and commitment to women’s empowerment.
“The Women’s Leadership Network represents a powerful platform for collaboration and transformation,” she noted. “It brings together professional women from diverse sectors to drive inclusion, social impact, and leadership development across communities.”
In her closing remarks, Dr. Buhari-Ado urged governments, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector to work collectively to end hunger in Africa.
