First Lady Oluremi Tinubu officially launched the South-South phase of the National Community Food Bank Programme on Friday in Calabar, Cross River State, as part of her ongoing efforts to address malnutrition and food insecurity among Nigeria's vulnerable populations.
During the event, she also announced a relief package of N500 million on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support 18 business owners affected by the recent fire at the Calabar Mall.
Each of the 18 affected business owners is set to receive N25 million in compensation, while an additional N50 million was donated to women’s groups across Cross River State to empower local women’s initiatives.
In her speech at the programme launch, Mrs. Tinubu highlighted the simultaneous inauguration of three new food banks in Cross River State, designed specifically to provide nutritional support to children under six, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. She reported that so far, 1,179 beneficiaries had been enrolled in the scheme, with 2,089 food packages distributed, emphasizing the importance of state governments adopting and expanding this initiative to maximize its reach and effectiveness.
According to a statement from her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady underscored that "the National Community Food Bank Programme is a deliberate and sustainable response to the issues of food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable households." She explained that the programme aims to supply nutritious food to children under six, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, supporting their healthy growth and development.
Mrs. Tinubu further noted that this intervention aligns with the broader objectives of the Tinubu administration to improve food security and health outcomes, especially within vulnerable communities. She stated, "This initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, focusing on improving food security, enhancing healthcare services, and promoting the overall well-being of Nigerians."
The launch marks the inclusion of the South-South zone as one of five geopolitical zones currently covered by the programme, with only one zone remaining to achieve nationwide coverage. During her visit, Mrs. Tinubu also inaugurated the Renewed Hope Initiative/Tertiary Education Trust Fund ICT Experience Centre at the University of Cross River State. This state-of-the-art facility features innovation labs, technology workshops, and engineering laboratories, designed to give students and young innovators hands-on experience with modern technology.
She emphasized that the ICT center aims to expand opportunities for young Nigerians to acquire relevant skills and develop innovative solutions that can contribute to national development. Additionally, during her visit to Calabar, she extended financial support to traders and entrepreneurs impacted by the recent fire at Calabar Mall, announcing N500 million on behalf of President Tinubu to assist 18 business owners, equating to N25 million each, alongside a separate N50 million donation to women’s groups in Cross River State.
Mrs. Tinubu also held a meeting with the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council as part of her advocacy efforts to strengthen collaboration between government and traditional institutions. She highlighted the critical role that traditional rulers play in national development and stressed the importance of keeping them informed about government programmes and interventions that impact their communities.
In response, His Royal Majesty Ovai Solomon Edward, Chairman of the council and Paramount Ruler of Abi Local Government Area, expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s various policies. He acknowledged that transforming the country is a complex task requiring patience, time, and ongoing support from citizens.
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