First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Friday launched the South-South phase of the National Community Food Bank Programme in Calabar, Cross River State, as part of efforts to combat malnutrition and food insecurity among vulnerable Nigerians
The First Lady also announced a N500 million relief package on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for 18 business owners affected by the recent fire disaster at the Calabar Mall.
Each of the 18 affected business owners is to receive N25 million, while an additional N50 million was donated to women groups in Cross River State.
Speaking at the launch of the food bank programme, Mrs Tinubu said three food banks were being inaugurated simultaneously in Cross River State to provide nutritional support to children under six years, pregnant women and nursing mothers.
She said 1,179 beneficiaries had already been enrolled in the programme, with 2,089 food packages distributed so far, but stressed the need for state governments to adopt and expand the initiative to increase its reach and impact.
According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said “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”, the First Lady said.
She explained that the intervention was in line with the Tinubu administration’s broader objectives of improving food security and health outcomes, particularly among vulnerable segments of the population.
“This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly its commitment to improving food security, strengthening healthcare outcomes, and promoting the well-being of all Nigerians”, she said.
The launch in the South-South brings to five the number of geopolitical zones covered by the National Community Food Bank Programme, leaving one zone for the intervention to achieve nationwide coverage.
Mrs Tinubu, during the visit, also inaugurated the Renewed Hope Initiative/Tertiary Education Trust Fund ICT Experience Centre at the University of Cross River State as part of efforts to promote digital skills, innovation and technological development among young Nigerians.
The state-of-the-art facility, which is already in use, is equipped with innovation and technology laboratories as well as an engineering workshop, among other facilities designed to provide students and young innovators with practical exposure to modern technology.
The First Lady said the intervention was aimed at expanding opportunities for young Nigerians to acquire relevant ICT skills and develop innovative solutions capable of contributing to national development. NigerianBusiness Directory
She also used the Calabar visit to extend financial assistance to traders and entrepreneurs affected by the recent fire disaster at the Calabar Mall.
On behalf of President Tinubu, she announced N500 million for 18 business owners who suffered losses in the incident, translating to N25 million for each beneficiary.
Mrs Tinubu further announced a N50 million donation to women groups in Cross River State.
The First Lady also met with the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council as part of an advocacy engagement aimed at strengthening collaboration between government and traditional institutions.
She described traditional rulers as critical stakeholders in national development, saying they should be regularly informed about government programmes, interventions and their impact on communities.
Chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council and Paramount Ruler of Abi Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty Ovai Solomon Edward, thanked President Tinubu for the various programmes and policies of his administration.
The traditional ruler said transforming the country was an onerous task that required time as well as patience and support from citizens.
