First Lady unveils food bank, donates N500m in Cross River

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria's First Lady, unveiled the National Community Food Bank Programme in Cross River State to combat food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable citizens. The programme, launched in Calabar on Friday, included the opening of three food banks to support children under six, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.

Tinubu announced that 1,179 beneficiaries had already enrolled, and 2,089 food packages had been distributed. The First Lady called on state governments to adopt the programme, stating it was a sustainable response to food insecurity and malnutrition. The initiative aligns with the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to enhance food security, healthcare outcomes, and the welfare of Nigerians.

The South-South launch marked the fifth geopolitical zone covered by the intervention, with plans to expand to the remaining zones. Additionally, the First Lady inaugurated a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre in Calabar, providing technology laboratories and an engineering workshop for young Nigerians. She also announced a N500 million relief package for 18 business owners affected by a recent fire disaster at the Calabar Mall, offering N25 million each to the affected businesses and N50 million to women's groups.

The First Lady participated in an advocacy engagement with Cross River State Traditional Rulers, emphasizing the importance of traditional institutions in conveying government programs and their impact to communities.