First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has launched the National Community Food Bank Programme in Nigeria’s South-South region as part of efforts to combat food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable families.
The initiative was flagged off on Friday in Calabar, Cross River State, where three community food banks were launched simultaneously.
The programme targets children under six, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, providing them with nutritious food and other support aimed at improving maternal and child health.
1,179 Beneficiaries Already Enrolled
Speaking at the launch, Senator Oluremi Tinubu said 1,179 beneficiaries had already been enrolled in the intervention, while 2,089 food packages had been distributed.
She urged state governments and other subnational authorities to adopt and strengthen the programme to expand its reach and deliver greater impact.
According to the First Lady, the initiative represents a deliberate response to food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable households.
She said it also supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on food security, improved healthcare outcomes and the welfare of Nigerians.
South-South Becomes Fifth Region Covered
The Calabar launch brings the intervention to five of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, expanding the programme’s national reach.
The First Lady said the goal is to provide vulnerable families with the nutritional support needed to promote healthy growth and development among children while supporting mothers during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
New ICT Centre Opens at University
Also in Calabar, Mrs Tinubu inaugurated a new RHI/TETFUND ICT Experience Centre at the University of Cross River.
The facility is designed to support ICT skills development, innovation and entrepreneurship among young Nigerians.
The centre includes:
- Innovation laboratories
- Technology laboratories
- Engineering workshops
- Other specialised facilities for practical learning and innovation
The facility is already operational.
N500m Relief for Fire Victims
Mrs Tinubu also announced a N500 million relief package on behalf of President Bola Tinubu for business owners affected by a recent fire disaster at Calabar Mall.
Under the intervention, 18 affected business owners will receive N25 million each.
An additional N50 million was announced for women’s groups in Cross River State.
First Lady Meets Traditional Rulers
Mrs Tinubu also held an advocacy engagement with the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council.
She highlighted the importance of traditional institutions as stakeholders in national development and said traditional rulers should remain informed about government programmes, interventions and their impact on communities.
Chairman of the Cross River Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty Ovai Solomon Edward, thanked President Tinubu for his policies and programmes.
The paramount ruler of Abi Local Government Area also noted that transforming the country is a demanding process that requires time, patience and cooperation from citizens.
With the expansion of the food bank initiative, the federal government is seeking to combine direct nutritional assistance with broader investments in healthcare, skills development and community support.
