First Lady Launches Food Bank, Donates N500m in Cross River

On Friday, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, launched the National Community Food Bank Programme in Calabar, Cross River State, to address food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable populations. Three food banks were inaugurated simultaneously, targeting children under six, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.

The initiative has already enrolled 1,179 beneficiaries and distributed 2,089 food packages. Tinubu urged state governments to adopt the program for broader impact, aligning it with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at improving food security and healthcare.

Additionally, she inaugurated a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre at the University of Cross River, designed to enhance ICT skills among youth. Tinubu also announced a N500 million relief package for 18 business owners affected by a recent fire at the Calabar Mall, with N25 million allocated to each owner and an additional N50 million for women's groups.

She engaged with the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council, emphasizing the role of traditional institutions in community outreach.