O-Meal: Alleged Poisoning Incident at St James Primary School Prompts Governor Adeleke to Order Investigation

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has initiated an investigation into the reported poisoning of 18 pupils at St James Primary School B in Owoope, Osogbo. The incident is believed to be linked to the government-sponsored school feeding program, O-Meal.

The affected pupils fell ill after consuming food provided through the O-Meal initiative, leading to their prompt hospitalization. Nathaniel Ojetola, Chairman of the Local Government Education Authority, confirmed that all 18 students have been treated and discharged for food poisoning.

Governor Adeleke took swift action upon being informed of the situation by his Special Adviser on O-Meal, Mrs. Grace Oluwaseyi Ayodele. In response, the Governor ordered an immediate halt to further food preparation at the affected school pending the outcome of the investigation.

In an official statement on Monday evening, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, Osun Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, revealed that cooks from the implicated school and the Planning officer for the O-Meal program have been summoned to a meeting scheduled for Tuesday morning.

Governor Adeleke emphasized the enforcement of food standards and controls, along with a comprehensive audit of the O-Meal structure to prevent similar incidents in the future. The state government has also settled the medical bills of the affected pupils.

The Commissioner disclosed, “The LGEA Chairman reported that a total of 18 students were treated and discharged. The school has a population of 200 students, with 103 among them participating in the O-Meal Programme.”

As a gesture of concern, a government delegation is visiting the families of the affected students, further highlighting the seriousness with which the state is treating this incident.