By Obiabin Onukwugha
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has launched a N65billion initiative known as National Community Food Bank Program, to address hunger and provide food security for vulnerable persons across the country.
The Program, which targets an initial 500,000 households across the country in the first year, was conceived by the first lady as sustainable response to bringing healthy and nutritious food within the reach of vulnerable children under 6 years, and strengthen community‑based nutrition systems.
Speaking during the launch in Abuja on Thursday, Senator Tinubu stated that the initiative, which is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu to advance food security and safeguard the well‑being of every Nigerian child, will go a long way in the hunger‑fighting drive of the federal government.
“The Community Food Bank Program was conceived by us as sustainable response to bringing healthy and nutritious food within the reach of vulnerable children under 6 years, strengthening community‑based nutrition systems, and restore hope where it is most needed.
“This initiative is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu CFR to advance food security and safeguard the well‑being of every Nigerian child,” she said.
She revealed that the initiative is in conjunction with her office, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the Bank of Industry.
“Globally, food banks are proven to be effective mechanisms for ensuring that nutritious food reaches those who need it most through strategic partnerships with farmers, food producers, corporate organizations, civil society groups, and community institutions. Food banks create a bridge between abundance and need,” she said.
Senator Tinubu, who donated N500 million to the fund also commended other donors, which include; Aliko Dangote Foundation, N10 billion from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited over five years, N500 million from the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, N17 billion from the Federal Government through a special intervention in the Social Action Fund, a matching N17 billion from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), and an initial $500,000 (about N692.5 million at the current exchange rate) pledged by “friends of Her Excellency” who wish to remain anonymous.
“I am delighted and honored to be part of the inauguration of the Board of Trustees and Fundraising Ceremony for the Community Food Bank Trust Fund. I am inspired by the demonstration of generosity and support shown today towards strengthening food support systems for vulnerable households across our country.
“Our goal is to build a strong and effective food bank system in Nigeria that is supported through a well‑structured trust fund, governed transparently, and capable of reaching communities and households across the country.
“Members of the Board of Trustees of the Community Food Bank Trust Fund are distinguished individuals with wealth of experience, integrity, and deep commitment to public service. They will provide the strategic leadership and oversight needed to ensure that this trust fund is governed with transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
“Their collective leadership will ensure that every Naira donated is used judiciously. I congratulate you all, and I thank you for accepting this all‑important national responsibility,” the first lady said.
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, on behalf of other Governors pledged to match the N17billion Federal commitment with a counterpart fund.
“Across our states, we see the pressure many households face in accessing affordable and nutritious food. More than one third of the children under five are stunted. This points to chronic undernutrition with lasting consequences for fiscal growth and development. This is not only a health issue, it’s a national issue.
“The NGF stands ready to work closely with the Federal Government,” he stated.