7th August, 2026 | News

Oluremi Tinubu Launches Community Food Bank Programme in South-South to Tackle Child Malnutrition

Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Friday launched the National Community Food Bank Programme in the South-South geopolitical zone as part of efforts to address food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable Nigerians.

The programme was launched in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, where three community food banks were inaugurated to support children under six years old, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

According to the First Lady, about 1,179 beneficiaries have already been enrolled in the intervention, while 2,089 food packages have been distributed.

She stressed the need for state governments and other subnational authorities to adopt and strengthen the programme to expand its impact among vulnerable households.

Oluremi Tinubu described the National Community Food Bank Programme as a deliberate and sustainable intervention designed to tackle food insecurity and malnutrition.

She said the initiative would provide nutritious food to children, pregnant women and nursing mothers to support healthy growth and development.

According to her, the programme is also aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on food security, improved healthcare outcomes and the welfare of Nigerians.

South-South Becomes Fifth Geopolitical Zone Covered

The South-South launch brings the National Community Food Bank Programme to five of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, indicating an expansion of the intervention across the country.

The First Lady said broader adoption of the programme by state governments would be important in ensuring that more vulnerable families benefit from the initiative.

Oluremi Tinubu Inaugurates ICT Centre in Cross River

Also in Calabar, Oluremi Tinubu inaugurated a new RHI/TETFUND ICT Experience Centre at the University of Cross River as part of efforts to promote information and communication technology skills among young Nigerians and innovators.

The facility, already operational, features innovation laboratories, technology labs and an engineering workshop, among other facilities.

The ICT centre is expected to provide opportunities for young people to develop practical technology and innovation skills.

President Tinubu Announces ₦500m Relief Fund for Fire Victims

The First Lady also announced, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, a ₦500 million relief package for 18 business owners affected by a recent fire disaster at the Calabar Mall.

The support amounts to ₦25 million for each of the affected business owners.

An additional ₦50 million donation was announced for women’s groups in Cross River State.

Oluremi Tinubu also held an advocacy engagement with members of the state Traditional Rulers Council, where she highlighted the importance of traditional institutions in communicating government programmes and their impact to communities.

The Chairman of the Cross River Traditional Council and Paramount Ruler of Abi Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty Ovai Solomon Edward, thanked President Tinubu for his programmes and policies.

He noted that transforming the country was a major responsibility that required patience and commitment from both the government and citizens.