First Lady unveils food bank, donates N500m in Cross River

Three food banks have opened in Cross River State under a federal programme intended to help vulnerable households facing food insecurity and malnutrition.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu launched the National Community Food Bank Programme in Calabar on Friday. The intervention targets children under six, pregnant women and lactating mothers. A statement signed by her media adviser, Busola Kukoyi, said 1,179 beneficiaries had enrolled and 2,089 food packages had already been distributed.

“The National Community Food Bank Programme is a deliberate and sustainable response to food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable households,” Tinubu said. She urged state governments to adopt the programme so it could reach more people. The Cross River launch brings the initiative to five of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, with expansion planned for the remaining zone.

Tinubu also inaugurated a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre at the University of Cross River. The operational facility includes innovation and technology laboratories and an engineering workshop for ICT skills development and innovation among young Nigerians.

During the visit, she announced a N500 million relief package for 18 business owners affected by a recent fire at Calabar Mall. Each business owner is to receive N25 million, while women’s groups in the state will receive an additional N50 million. Tinubu also met traditional rulers and emphasized their role in explaining government programmes to local communities.

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The National Community Food Bank Programme is a deliberate and sustainable response to food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable households.