Outcry As 18 Pupils Hospitalized Following Government’s Free Meal In Osun (Video)

Outcry As 18 Pupils Hospitalized Following Government’s Free Meal In Osun (Video)....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Written By Oshiobugie John

In a concerning incident, 18 pupils from James Primary School B in Owo-Ope, Osogbo, were hospitalized after consuming a mid-day meal provided under the state government’s free school feeding program. The Osun State Government has initiated an investigation into the reported case of food poisoning that occurred on Monday, December 11, 2023.

Parents of the affected pupils expressed panic, and a video posted online showed three victims receiving medical treatment with drips. The pupils reportedly fell ill after consuming rice and egg served as part of the government’s free school feeding initiative.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has taken swift action, ordering a halt to further food cooking at the affected school pending the outcome of the investigations. The affected cooks and the planning officer for the O-Meal program have been summoned for a meeting.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, disclosed that the governor has directed the enforcement of food standards and control, along with an audit of the O-Meal structure to prevent future occurrences.

The government is settling the medical bills of the affected students, according to the statement. The Chairman of the Local Government Education Authority revealed that 18 students have been treated and discharged, out of a total student population of 200.

Parents raised concerns about the food’s quality, noting a foul smell from the eggs served to the children. A parent, Iya Taye, reported that her children returned home weak, experiencing vomiting and frequent stooling after consuming the school-provided meal.

A reliable source within the school indicated that over 50 pupils were affected by the alleged food poisoning. The investigation aims to uncover the circumstances leading to the health crisis and prevent future incidents.