Hope is indeed rising for vulnerable children in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone as First Lady of Nigeria Oluremi Tinubu flags off the National Community Food Bank programme to tackle child malnutrition in the region.
At the event in Calabar, the First Lady noted that three food banks were being launched simultaneously in Cross Rivers State to further address the issue of malnourishment among children under the age of 6 years, pregnant and lactating mothers.
She said with about 1,179 beneficiaries already enrolled, while 2089 food packages have so far been disbursed under the intervention, there is a greater need for the subnationals to adopt the programme for better impact.
“The National Community Food Bank Programme is a deliberate and sustainable response to food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable households. It is designed to provide nutritious food to children under the age of six, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, giving them the support required for healthy growth and development.
“This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly its commitment to improving food security, strengthening healthcare outcomes, and promoting the well-being of all Nigerians,” the First Lady said.
The South South launch makes it five out of six, as the intervention expands coverage across the geopolitical zones in the country.
Also in Calabar, the First Lady inaugurated a new RHI/TETFUND ICT Experience Centre at the University of Cross River, in furtherance of her interventions to promote ICT skills acquisition among young Nigerians and innovators.
The state-of -the -art center which is already in use has innovation labs, technology labs, engineering workshop amongst others.
While in Calabar, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the First Lady announced the donation of N500 million at N25 million each as relief fund to 18 business owners who are victims of a recent fire disater at Calabar mall, with an additional N50 million donation to women groups in the state.
The First Lady of Nigeria also held an advocacy engagement with the state traditional rulers council, noting their roles as key stakeholders in national devt who should have regular update on governments interventions and impacts.
The Chairman of the Cross Rivers Traditional Council and Paramount Ruler of Abi LGA, His Royal Majesty, Ovai Solomon Edward, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his various programmes and policies for the nation noting that transformation of the. Country is an onerous task which takes tie and patience on the part of the citizens.
