Calabar: Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady, on Friday inaugurated the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South-South zone in Calabar. The initiative aims to provide nutritious food support to vulnerable households, particularly children under six, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. This marks the fifth zonal rollout of the programme across Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the launch aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing food security, healthcare, and citizens’ wellbeing. Speaking at the event, Tinubu highlighted that the programme addresses food insecurity while improving nutrition and health outcomes among vulnerable Nigerians. She announced that three food banks had been established across Cross River’s Southern, Central, and Northern Senatorial Districts, with plans for nationwide coverage by 2027. The sixth zonal launch is scheduled for Anambra.
In addition to the food bank programme, the First Lady announced President Bola Tinubu’s approval of N25 million each for 18 victims of the Calabar Mall fire. This intervention aims to help affected business owners recover from their losses. Furthermore, Tinubu inaugurated an ICT Experience Centre at the University of Cross River, promoting digital skills and youth empowerment.
Welcoming the First Lady, Gov. Bassey Otu commended the food bank initiative as an enduring intervention for vulnerable Nigerians. He noted that the programme complements the state government’s efforts to combat hunger and improve the welfare of residents. Cross River has functional food banks in its three senatorial districts, strengthening the fight against food insecurity. Otu mentioned ongoing agricultural investments, including a 50,000-hectare rice farming programme, targeting farmers, fishermen, and agribusiness operators.
The governor emphasized the importance of collaboration among governments, partners, and communities to reduce poverty and enhance food security. Prof. Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, also stressed the programme’s critical role in combating malnutrition and stunting, which threaten Nigeria’s human capital development.
At the ICT centre inauguration, Alhaji Aminu Masari, TETFund Board of Trustees Chairman, praised Tinubu for supporting human capital development. He highlighted that ICT Experience Centres and upgraded learning facilities will equip Nigerian youths with essential digital skills, boosting their competitiveness in the global economy.