Oluremi Tinubu has launched the National Community Food Bank Programme in Nigeria’s North-East.
She unveiled the initiative on Monday during a visit to Maiduguri, explaining that it is designed to combat hunger and malnutrition across the region and the country.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady said, “Your Excellencies and guests, it is a great honour and privilege to be here. This will be the first assignment while we are here in Borno State for our children and mothers.
“I have the honour to commission the National Community Food Bank Programme in the North-East to the glory of God.”
At the earlier launch in Abuja, the programme secured pledges exceeding ₦66bn. The Aliko Dangote Foundation led private sector support with a ₦20bn in-kind commitment over five years, while Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited pledged ₦10bn within the same period. The Emeka Offor Foundation also committed ₦500m, alongside a $500,000 donation from anonymous contributors.
According to Ali Pate, President Bola Tinubu approved a ₦17bn intervention fund to support the initiative.
The programme aims to establish food banks in every local government area, working alongside primary healthcare centres and the Bank of Agriculture. It will distribute nutritious, locally sourced food through a voucher system to vulnerable groups, including children under six, pregnant and nursing mothers, orphans, and households facing severe nutritional and economic challenges.
