Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi on Monday hosted governors from the Northwest geopolitical zone for the official launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme, an initiative aimed at tackling food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable Nigerians.
The programme was inaugurated by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and is targeted at children under the age of six, pregnant women and nursing mothers across the seven states of the Northwest.
Governors from Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara joined Governor Namadi at the event, accompanied by their spouses, to witness the regional rollout of the initiative.
Speaking at the ceremony, the First Lady said the programme supports the Renewed Hope Agenda by improving nutrition, strengthening healthcare and enhancing food security. She explained that the initiative is being implemented through collaboration between her office, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Bank of Agriculture.
She noted that the launch in Jigawa follows the programme’s initial rollout in the North-East and called on government agencies, development partners, private organisations and community stakeholders to support its successful implementation across the country.
During her visit, the First Lady also commissioned several projects completed by the Jigawa State Government and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Academy and the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Clinic and Dialysis Centre.
The academy is designed to promote innovation and digital skills development through facilities dedicated to artificial intelligence, robotics, health technology research, startup incubation and computer-based testing.
The newly inaugurated clinic and dialysis centre is equipped with modern diagnostic facilities, dialysis units, operating theatres and maternity wards to improve access to quality healthcare, particularly for underserved communities. The facility also features an integrated oxygen system and renewable energy to ensure uninterrupted medical services.
Oluremi Tinubu encouraged young Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the academy to develop skills that will contribute to the country’s digital economy. She also commended NITDA for expanding technology-driven opportunities across Nigeria.
Governor Namadi described the National Community Food Bank Programme as a timely intervention that would help improve nutrition for children and vulnerable families. He said the initiative aligns with the state’s commitment to human capital development and called for stronger collaboration among governments, community leaders, farmers, civil society organisations and development partners to ensure its success.
