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From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Determined to enhance food security and combat malnutrition in the Southwest, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday launched the National Community Food Bank Programme in Ogun State, with three food banks established in Sagamu, Yewa North and Abeokuta South Local Government Areas of the state.
The wife of the President, who was received by the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, his wife, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, members of the State Executive Council, National Assembly members, traditional rulers and other dignitaries at the Gateway International Airport, Iperu-Remo, equally commissioned Muhammadu Buhari Estate, containing 108 units of duplexes, and a 250-bed ultra-modern hospital named Gateway Medical Centre of Excellence in Abeokuta, the state capital.
Speaking at the official launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, the First Lady described the programme as a deliberate and sustainable intervention by the Federal Government to address food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable households in Nigeria.
She noted that the programme is specifically targeted at children under the age of six, pregnant women and lactating mothers to ensure access to free nutritious food for healthy development.
According to her, the initiative is in direct alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the areas of food security, improved health outcomes and building a more prosperous nation.
Mrs Tinubu explained that the programme is being implemented through a strategic partnership between the Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Bank of Agriculture.
She recalled that the programme was formally launched in Abuja on April 2, 2026, followed by zonal rollouts in the North East in Borno State on April 27, 2026, with three food banks; North West in Jigawa State on June 29, 2026, with three food banks; and North Central in Kogi State on July 11, 2026, with four food banks.
Commending Governor Abiodun, the First Lady said his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the people is evident in projects such as the newly completed Gateway Medical Centre of Excellence in Oke-Mosan and the Muhammadu Buhari Housing Estate on Kobape Road.
She further urged governors across the Southwest and indeed the nation to take ownership of the initiative by establishing community food banks in partnership with the NPHCDA to ensure the supply of food items and operational support required for sustainability beyond the current administration.
She expressed appreciation to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Executive Director/CEO of NPHCDA, Dr Muyi Aina, and the Managing Director/CEO of the Bank of Agriculture for their support in driving the collaboration.
She later launched the South West Zone of the National Community Food Bank Programme, with three food banks established in Sagamu, Yewa North and Abeokuta South LGs for the zone.
In his welcome remarks, Governor Abiodun thanked the First Lady for her efforts to complement the endeavour of the President in giving Nigerians new hope.
He assured that his administration would continue to support the initiatives and policies of the Federal Government aimed at providing succour to the people.
Governor Abiodun, who reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of the Ogun State people and residents, said that the food bank initiative would go a long way in addressing hunger and providing relief to vulnerable citizens.
