Ajibike Olusola
First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday launched the South-West Zonal National Community Food Bank in Ogun State, urging governors across the region to replicate the initiative to tackle food insecurity and malnutrition.
Speaking at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, she said the programme targets vulnerable Nigerians, particularly children under six, pregnant women and nursing mothers, by providing sustained access to nutritious food.
She urged South-West governors to establish community food banks in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), preferably within or near Primary Healthcare Centres to ensure easy access.
Senator Tinubu said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly its focus on food security, healthcare, social protection and human capital development.
She commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his commitment to citizens’ welfare, citing the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate and Gateway Medical Centre of Excellence as examples of projects with direct impact on residents.
Governor Abiodun said the food bank programme reflected the shared commitment of the Federal Government and Ogun State to improving citizens’ quality of life. He stressed that the success of government should be measured by the lives transformed through its programmes and projects.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the programme would not only provide food to vulnerable Nigerians but also strengthen the link between farmers and consumers through structured procurement and distribution.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, described the initiative as an important intervention against health challenges linked to food insecurity and urged other South-West states to support and expand it.
The Executive Secretary of NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina, said the programme would target pregnant women and children aged six months to six years and operate through the country’s Primary Healthcare Centres.
The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Michael Aremu Gbadebo, commended the First Lady for bringing the initiative to Ogun State.
The First Lady’s visit also featured the commissioning of the National Community Food Bank at Makun, Sagamu, the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate and the Gateway Medical Centre of Excellenc