Oluremi Tinubu flags off community food bank, commissions PMB estate, Gateway Medical Centre
First Lady Launches South-West Zonal National Community Food Bank in Ogun State
Abeokuta, Nigeria — Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, inaugurated the South-West Zonal National Community Food Bank in Ogun State on Tuesday. During the launch at the June 12 Cultural Centre, she urged regional governors to establish similar initiatives aimed at combating food insecurity and malnutrition.
The program is designed to ensure that vulnerable populations, particularly children and pregnant and lactating women, have continuous access to nutritious food. Tinubu emphasized the importance of collaboration between state governments and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to effectively operate community food banks.
“This initiative is a sustainable response to food insecurity and malnutrition affecting vulnerable households,” she stated, highlighting its focus on children under six years, as well as pregnant and nursing mothers. Tinubu expressed optimism about the program’s longevity and its goal of ensuring every Nigerian child has a strong foundation for health and nutrition.
The First Lady linked the food bank initiative to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, specifically noting its commitment to improving food security, healthcare, and social protection. She praised Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun for his efforts in enhancing the welfare of residents through projects such as the Gateway Medical Centre of Excellence.
Tinubu clarified that community food banks differ from food hubs, emphasizing that their primary aim is to serve disadvantaged individuals at no cost. She called for state governments to take ownership of these facilities to further the initiative’s objectives.
Moreover, she recommended situating food banks near Primary Healthcare Centres to enhance accessibility for those in need.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, who hosted the event, reaffirmed the partnership between federal and state efforts in fostering a more prosperous Nigeria. He highlighted ongoing projects such as the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate and the Gateway Medical Centre of Excellence, which align with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s goals.
“The true measure of government is not only the number of projects commissioned but the impact on citizens’ lives,” Abiodun remarked.
He added that incorporating food banks within Primary Healthcare Centres would enable better identification of vulnerable households, supporting at-risk children and mothers.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, described the National Community Food Bank Programme as a means to provide food to vulnerable populations while establishing a connection between farmers and consumers. He noted that the program reflects the administration’s commitment to addressing food security on multiple levels.
Professor Ali Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, referred to the food bank initiative as vital for tackling health issues arising from food insecurity and urged governors to participate in and enhance the program.
In a technical presentation, Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Secretary of the NPHCDA, confirmed that the program would target pregnant women and children between six months and six years of age, with facilities established across the country’s 13,500 Primary Healthcare Centres.
Oba Michael Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, noted the initiative’s potential to alleviate hardships for vulnerable groups and commended the First Lady for implementing the program in Ogun State.
The visit of the First Lady also included the commissioning of the National Community Food Bank in Makun, Sagamu, in addition to inaugurating key health and housing projects in Ogun State.
