LIFESTYLE Culture

First Lady Launches National Food Bank Programme

by admin on | 2026-04-28 12:23:24

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 41

By Ahmad Sirajo Makama, Abuja

The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has officially launched the National Community Food Bank Programme (NCFBP) for vulnerable malnourished mothers, pregnant women, and children between the ages of zero to six years.

Monday’s launch was specifically for the North-East zone of the country.

Speaking at the inauguration in Maiduguri, Mrs. Tinubu said child malnutrition remains a pressing national priority that requires urgent attention. She noted that the programme is designed to put food on the tables of vulnerable groups across the country.

She stated that millions of Nigerian children still lack access to adequate nutrition, adding that this is one of the reasons the Federal Government is expanding the National Community Food Bank Programme nationwide to supply food to those who need it most.

Mrs. Tinubu acknowledged the support of the Federal Government, State Governors, private sector partners, and Nigerians in general to end malnutrition in Nigerian children.

“Their generosity affirms that we are indeed our brothers’ keepers and gives confidence that this programme will endure and thrive for many years to come beyond this administration.

“Globally, community food banks have proven to be effective mechanisms for delivering nutritious food to those who need it most. By building strong partnerships among farmers, food producers, corporate organisations, and communities, food banks bridge the gap between abundance and need.

“The success of this programme will depend on sustained collaboration. We must work together to build a transparent, accountable, and well-structured food bank system that reaches vulnerable households across Nigeria,” she said.

The First Lady said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, particularly in advancing food security, improving healthcare, and building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

She called for more partnerships for the programme.

“I therefore call on individuals, organisations, and institutions across the North-East to support and actively participate in this initiative as we commence zonal rollouts nationwide.

“The choice of Borno State for the North-East launch is strategic. The region has faced security challenges, which have contributed to food insecurity and child malnutrition.

“This programme will complement ongoing efforts by state governments to improve access to nutritious food, especially for women and children.

“I would like to seize this opportunity to specially commend Governor Babagana Zulum for his remarkable gesture of empowering 2,000 women, many of whom are potential beneficiaries of the National Community Food Bank Project we are launching today,” Mrs. Tinubu revealed.

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, in his address, noted the support of the President and First Lady in various areas, especially in ameliorating the challenges occasioned by insurgency in the state.

He pointed to the recent approval of N68 billion for the purchase of fossil fuels for the state power plant by President Bola Tinubu, as well as the establishment of a College of Education among others.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Pate, said the programme is designed to establish community-based food banks in every local government area, linked to primary healthcare centres supported by the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, in partnership with the Bank of Agriculture.

Prof. Pate also revealed that President Bola Tinubu approved a special intervention of N17 billion through the Social Action Fund to support the programme.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, explained the modalities of the food bank, stating that mothers and children diagnosed as malnourished at healthcare facilities will receive food vouchers to be taken to primary health centres and redeemed as food.

It would be recalled that on April 2, the National Community Food Bank Trust Fund was officially launched and the Board of Trustees inaugurated at the State House Conference Hall, Abuja.

The North-East is a major beneficiary of the initiative, which aims to support 500,000 households nationwide with nutritious food, focusing on pregnant women, vulnerable children under six, and disadvantaged communities.

Nurses Quarters

Also during the visit, the First Lady inaugurated a Nurses Quarters and two Junior and Secondary Schools in Borno State.

She also met with the Shehu of Borno and other traditional leaders in the state.