Oluremi Tinubu unveils food bank in Anambra

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Thursday unveiled the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South-East geopolitical zone in Anambra State, as part of efforts to strengthen food security and social protection for vulnerable Nigerians.

Tinubu performed the unveiling at the old Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, during her official visit to the state.

The South-East zonal food bank is designed to provide food assistance and nutrition education to vulnerable groups, including widows, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, nursing mothers and young children.

Speaking at the event, the First Lady said the initiative was a key component of the Renewed Hope Initiative, aimed at addressing hunger, promoting grassroots development and improving human capital outcomes in communities.

She said the programme would complement Federal Government policies focused on poverty reduction, sustainable agriculture and the strengthening of social safety nets.

According to her, the initiative also underscores the importance of collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments in addressing economic hardship and promoting inclusive development.

“This initiative reinforces the Federal Government’s policies aimed at tackling poverty, promoting sustainable agriculture, and strengthening social safety nets in Anambra State and the wider South-East region.

“It demonstrates a reinforced partnership between the Federal Government and the state governments of the region towards inclusive economic growth and societal welfare,” Tinubu said.

The First Lady was received at the event by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and his wife, Dr Nonye Soludo.

As part of her engagements in the state, Tinubu also commissioned a state-of-the-art Information and Communications Technology, ICT, Centre at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko.

The centre is designed to equip young people with digital skills, including software development, data analysis and remote-work opportunities.

Tinubu said the initiative was part of broader efforts to expand opportunities for young Nigerians through technology and skills development.

She also said the programme would complement the Anambra State Government’s humanitarian initiatives through the distribution of empowerment grants, vocational tools and agricultural inputs to thousands of beneficiaries across the state’s 21 local government areas.

The ceremony was attended by government officials, traditional and community leaders, development stakeholders and other dignitaries.