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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
In a move to combat child malnutrition, First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, launched the North-East zone of the National Community Food Bank Programme (NCFBP) Monday, targeting vulnerable malnourished mothers, pregnant women, and children aged zero to six years.
Speaking at the inauguration in Maiduguri, Mrs Tinubu highlighted the urgency of the issue. “Child malnutrition remains a pressing national priority that requires urgent attention, therefore, the programme is to put food on the tables of these vulnerable groups in the country,” she said.
She stressed that millions of Nigerian children lack adequate nutrition, driving the federal government’s expansion of the NCFBP nationwide. The First Lady acknowledged support from the Federal Government, state governors, private sector partners, and citizens. “Their generosity affirms that we are indeed our brothers’ keepers and gives confidence that this programme will endure and thrive for many years to come beyond this administration.”
Drawing global parallels, she added: “Globally, community food banks have proven to be effective mechanisms for delivering nutritious food to those who need it most. By building strong partnerships among farmers, food producers, corporate organisations, and communities, food banks bridge the gap between abundance and need.”
“The success of this programme will depend on sustained collaboration. We must work together to build a transparent, accountable, and well-structured food bank system that reaches vulnerable households across Nigeria,” she stressed.
The initiative she noted aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on food security, healthcare, and national prosperity. Senator Tinubu urged more partnerships: “I therefore call on individuals, organisations, and institutions across the North-East to support and actively participate in this initiative as we commence zonal rollouts nationwide.”
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The First Lady added that Borno State was chosen strategically due to security challenges fueling food insecurity. “This programme will complement ongoing efforts by state governments to improve access to nutritious food, especially for women and children,” she noted, commending Governor Babagana Zulum for empowering 2,000 women, many potential beneficiaries.
Zulum praised the President and First Lady’s support, citing recent approvals like N68 billion for the state power plant’s fossil fuels and a new College of Education.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, detailed the programme’s design: community-based food banks in every local government, linked to primary healthcare centres via the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and Bank of Agriculture. “It will provide nutritious, locally sourced food through a voucher system to malnourished children under six years, pregnant and lactating women, orphans, and vulnerable households.”
Pate disclosed President Tinubu’s N17 billion approval through the Social Action Fund. Agriculture Minister Sen. Abubakar Kyari explained modalities: diagnosed malnourished mothers and children receive vouchers redeemable as food at primary health centres.
The NCFBP Trust Fund launched on April 2 in Abuja, with its Board inaugurated. The North-East is a key beneficiary, aiming to support 500,000 households nationwide, prioritizing pregnant women, children under six, and disadvantaged communities.
In related activities, Mrs. Tinubu commissioned a Nurses Quarters and two junior/secondary schools. She also met with the Shehu of Borno and other traditional leaders.
