Ogun inaugurates steering committee on national community food bank programme

Ogun State Government Launches Steering Committee for National Community Food Bank Programme

In an effort to address malnutrition and its related impacts, the Ogun State Government has inaugurated the Steering Committee for the National Community Food Bank Programme (NCFBP). This nationwide initiative aims to enhance food security for the most vulnerable populations.

The NCFBP, a multi-sectoral project spearheaded by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, seeks to close the hunger gap by ensuring consistent access to nutritious, locally sourced food across various states.

During the inauguration ceremony, Ogun State Commissioner for Health Dr. Tomi Coker emphasized that the program is a strategic response to the nutritional challenges faced by at-risk households.

“Our primary focus is to safeguard the future of children aged 0 to 6 and support vulnerable pregnant and breastfeeding mothers,” Coker said, underscoring the importance of healthy growth and brain development at the community level.

As chair of the committee, Coker called on members to fulfill their roles effectively to facilitate the successful execution of the program. She stressed the importance of continued commitment throughout the implementation process.

Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Board, praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to enhance the food and nutrition support system. He noted the state government’s commitment to improving nutritional outcomes, reducing vulnerability, and building resilient communities.

In their supportive remarks, commissioners from various departments, including Youth and Sports, Agriculture and Food Security, and Special Duties, as well as local government representatives and development partners, endorsed the initiative. They described it as a timely and strategic measure to address food security and nutrition challenges not only in Ogun State but nationwide.

Coker outlined that the Steering Committee includes representatives from key ministries such as Agriculture, Special Duties, Women Affairs, Youth and Sports, and Industry, Trade and Investment, along with the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), the State Primary Health Care Development Board, development partners, and traditional institutions.

The committee’s responsibilities will involve providing strategic oversight for the program, ensuring alignment with its objectives, maintaining transparency and accountability, and establishing a structured coordination framework that includes periodic performance reviews and ongoing stakeholder engagement to promote the effective implementation of the initiative.

The National Community Food Bank Programme for the South-West states is set to officially launch in Ogun State on July 25.

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