By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the National Community Food Bank Programme in Cross River State and donated N500 million in relief to victims of a fire disaster at the Calabar Mall.
Tinubu flagged off the programme in Calabar on Friday,4 September,2026 launching three food banks simultaneously to provide nutritional support to children under six, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
In a statement signed by her Senior Special Adviser on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady disclosed that 1,179 beneficiaries had been enrolled in the intervention, with 2,089 food packages distributed so far.
“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,” she said.
Tinubu explained that the initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its objectives of improving food security, healthcare outcomes and the welfare of Nigerians.
She called on state governments to adopt the programme to ensure wider coverage and greater impact.
With the South-South launch, the intervention now covers five of the country’s six geopolitical zones and is expected to be extended to the remaining zone.
Still in Calabar, the First Lady inaugurated a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre at the University of Cross River.
The centre, already operational, houses innovation and technology laboratories as well as an engineering workshop designed to support ICT skills acquisition and innovation among young Nigerians.
Tinubu further announced a N500 million relief package for 18 business owners affected by the recent fire disaster at the Calabar Mall, disclosing that the Federal Government would give N25 million to each affected business owner, while an additional N50 million would be donated to women’s groups in the state.
The First Lady also held an advocacy engagement with members of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council, stressing the importance of traditional institutions in communicating government programmes and their impact to communities.
Responding, the Chairman of the Cross River Traditional Council and Paramount Ruler of Abi Local Government Area, HRM Ovai Solomon Edward, thanked President Bola Tinubu for his programmes and policies, noting that transforming the country was an onerous task that required time and patience from citizens.
