Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South-South region in Calabar, Cross River State.
Speaking at the event on Friday, Mrs. Tinubu said the programme is aimed at ensuring food security, improving healthcare and the welfare of Nigerians.
She explained that the initiative targets vulnerable households, with special focus on children under six years, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
“The National Foodbank Programme is a deliberate and sustainable response to food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable households,” she said, adding that it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to her, the food to be provided will support healthy growth and development, especially for children.
The First Lady stated that the programme is being implemented through a collaboration between her office, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Bank of Agriculture.
She noted that the national programme was first inaugurated in Abuja on April 2, 2026, and has since been rolled out in the North-East, North-West, North-Central and South-West zones. The Calabar launch, she said, marks the fifth zonal phase, with the South-East expected next.
Commending Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, his wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, and the people of Cross River for their hospitality, Mrs. Tinubu applauded the state government for establishing three food banks across the senatorial districts at Ediba Primary Health Centre, as well as the Health Centers at Ikom and Ogoja.
“I encourage every State in the zone to establish community food banks across at least three senatorial districts, as we have done here today,” she stated.
In his remarks, Governor Otu described the First Lady as the “Compassionate Mother of the Nation,” noting that the food bank would complement the state’s efforts to reduce hunger and poverty.
“The National Community Food Bank Programme is one of the most enduring initiatives of Mr. President under the Renewed Hope mantra,” the Governor said.
He added that his administration has invested in agriculture through rice and cassava clusters, support for fishermen, grants and mechanization for small-holder farmers, as well as large-scale public-private investments in the sector.
