The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday launched the South-West Zonal National Community Food Bank in Ogun State, urging state governments across the region to replicate the initiative to strengthen the fight against food insecurity and malnutrition.
Speaking at the launch held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Senator Tinubu said the programme was designed to ensure that vulnerable Nigerians, particularly children and pregnant and lactating women, have sustained access to nutritious food.
She called on governors in the South-West to establish community food banks in their respective states in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), stressing that such collaboration would facilitate the supply of food items and provide the operational support needed to sustain the initiative.
First Lady described the National Community Food Bank Programme as a deliberate and sustainable response to food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable households, noting that it specifically targets children under six years of age, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
She expressed optimism that the programme would be sustained, saying its ultimate objective was to ensure that every Nigerian child is adequately nourished and given a healthy foundation for the future.
Senator Tinubu commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his commitment to the welfare and development of the people, citing the newly commissioned Gateway Medical Centre of Excellence and the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate as examples of projects that directly impact citizens’ lives.
She also clarified the distinction between a food bank and a food hub, explaining that the food bank is specifically designed to serve disadvantaged and vulnerable persons, with services provided free of charge.
his remarks, the chief host, Governor Dapo Abiodun, said the programme demonstrated the shared vision and common purpose of the Federal Government and Ogun State in building a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria.
He said the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate and the Gateway Medical Centre of Excellence were in keeping with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which, he noted, was not merely about formulating policies but translating government intentions into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens through housing, healthcare, nutrition, social protection and human capital development.
Source: Daily Post
