Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday launched the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South-East geopolitical zone in Anambra State as part of efforts to improve food security and strengthen social protection for vulnerable Nigerians.
Tinubu unveiled the initiative at the old Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia during her official visit to the state.
The South-East zonal food bank is expected to provide food support and nutrition education to vulnerable groups, including widows, elderly people, persons with disabilities, nursing mothers and young children.
Speaking at the ceremony, the First Lady described the programme as an important component of the Renewed Hope Initiative, aimed at tackling hunger, supporting grassroots development and improving human capital outcomes within communities.
She said the initiative would support Federal Government efforts to reduce poverty, promote sustainable agriculture and expand social safety nets for vulnerable citizens.
Tinubu also stressed the need for stronger cooperation between the Federal Government and state governments in tackling economic difficulties and promoting development that benefits all sections of society.
“This initiative reinforces the Federal Government’s policies aimed at tackling poverty, promoting sustainable agriculture, and strengthening social safety nets in Anambra State and the wider South-East region.
“It demonstrates a reinforced partnership between the Federal Government and the state governments of the region towards inclusive economic growth and societal welfare,” Tinubu said.
The First Lady was welcomed to the event by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and his wife, Dr Nonye Soludo.
During her visit, Tinubu also commissioned a modern Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Centre at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko.
The facility is expected to help young Nigerians acquire digital skills in areas such as software development, data analysis and remote-work opportunities.
Tinubu said the ICT initiative formed part of wider efforts to create more opportunities for young people through technology and skills acquisition.
She added that the food bank programme would work alongside humanitarian interventions by the Anambra State Government, including the distribution of empowerment grants, vocational equipment and agricultural inputs to thousands of beneficiaries across the state’s 21 local government areas.
Government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, development partners and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.
