By Amina Hassan, Maiduguri
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday flagged off the National Community Food Bank Programme (NCFBP) in Maiduguri, targeting hunger and malnutrition across the North-East.
The initiative, unveiled for Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba states, is designed to provide sustainable access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations, particularly children under six.
Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Tinubu described child malnutrition as a critical national challenge requiring urgent intervention.
“Child malnutrition in Nigeria remains a pressing national priority, with millions of children in need of consistent access to the nourishment required for healthy growth and development,” she said.
“Each day of our inaction affects their health, growth, potentials and future. Therefore, addressing this issue is both urgent and essential to securing our nation’s future.”
She explained that the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that it is structured to bridge food surplus with communities in need.
“The Community Food Bank Programme was conceived as a sustainable response to bringing healthy and nutritious food within the reach of vulnerable children and restoring hope where it is most needed,” she added.
During the visit, the First Lady also commissioned key projects executed by Governor Babagana Zulum, including nursing quarters, schools, and ICT centres.
Governor Zulum announced a ₦500 million donation to support the programme, a gesture matched by the First Lady.
At the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Garbai Elkanemi commended the Federal Government’s intervention, particularly the approval of funds to stabilise power supply in the state.
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