Bola Tinubu has sparked reactions online following remarks made during his state visit to Paris, where he suggested that providing “a good sandwich and one egg a day” could help improve learning outcomes for African children.
Speaking during discussions on trade, security, and Nigeria’s school feeding initiatives, Tinubu reportedly said:
“If an African child is assured of a good sandwich and a classroom or one egg a day, there will be no fear of learning.”
The comment comes amid growing concerns over rising poverty and hunger in Nigeria, as the federal government continues. With an efforts to provide school meals through a ₦42 billion feeding programme aimed at reaching 10 million pupils nationwide.
The president’s remark has since drawn mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians criticizing the statement as underwhelming and disconnected from the country’s broader economic realities.
Some social media users described the comment as “embarrassing” and reflective of what they called a “beggarly” leadership approach. While questioning whether the president expects foreign partners to help feed Nigerian children.
Others, however, defended the remark, interpreting it as an acknowledgment of the urgent need to address child hunger and improve access to education.
The comments has continued to fuel debate across social media, with netizens divided over its meaning and implications.
Social media users comments:
“This man is poor in the mind, he is one of the most visionless politicians in Nigeria, all he talks about his food, started with Ewa, Corn, garri, now Sandwich and egg.
A thief who is aware he has stolen the future of the country and impoverished everyone is always talking about food because he has made people hungry.
Even if you give Tinibu 15 years and pair him up with the most intelligent brains in the world he won’t still function above his mental capacity, which is to steal.
This man isn’t and wasn’t fit to be a leader at any levels. He is poorly visioned and shouldn’t have gotten involved in Nigerian politics.” A user commented.“Omo, God see wetin dey lead 200 million plus people now.
This is an actual deliberate shame.
This man should not lead a family talk of a nation.” Another user added“This post is not about politics. It’s just logic.
This is hard to understand because a 6second video cannot deliver any message.
Context, subject etc are important to drive a message. I hope we all get the full video before criticism. It’s important for future if we all get it right.” A user argued.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
