POLITICAL Economy

First Lady Flags Off Food Bank Programme, Tackles Malnutrition

by admin on | 2026-09-05 17:00:41

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First Lady Flags Off Food Bank Programme, Tackles Malnutrition

By Ahmad Sirajo Makama

Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu has flagged off the National Community Food Bank program to tackle child malnutrition in the South- South region of the country. 

At the event in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, the First Lady noted that three food banks were being launched simultaneously in Cross River State to further address the issue of malnourishment among children under the age of six years and pregnant and lactating mothers. 

She said that with about 1,179 beneficiaries already enrolled, while 2089 food packages have so far been disbursed under the intervention,  there is a greater need for the subnationals to adopt the programme for better impact.

“The National Community Food Bank Programme is a deliberate and sustainable response to food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable households. It is designed to provide nutritious food to children under the age of six, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, giving them the support required for healthy growth and development. 

“This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly its commitment to improving food security, strengthening healthcare outcomes, and promoting the well-being of all Nigerians,” Tinubu stated. 

The South-South launch makes it five out of six, as the intervention expands coverage across the six geopolitical zones in the country. 

Learning Center

Also in Calabar, the First Lady inaugurated a new ICT Experience Centre at the University of Calabar in furtherance of her interventions to promote ICT skills acquisition among young Nigerians and innovators.

The new Centre is being floated by the Renewed Hope Initiative (a pet project of the First Lady) in collaboration with the Tertiary Education Fund. 

The state-of-the-art centre, which is already in use has innovation labs, technology labs, engineering workshops, amongst others.

While in Calabar, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, the  First Lady announced a cash donation as a relief fund to 18 business owners who are victims of a recent fire disaster at Calabar mall, with an additional 50 million Naira donation to women's groups in the state.

Mrs Tinubu also held an advocacy engagement with the state traditional rulers council, noting their roles as key stakeholders in national development, who should have regular updates on government interventions and impacts.

The Chairman of the Cross Rivers Traditional Council,  Ovai Edward, thanked President Bola Tinubu for his various programmes and policies for the nation, noting that the transformation of the country is an onerous task which needs time and patience for the citizens to reap more of the benefits.