The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has officially launched the Northeast rollout of the National Community Food Bank Programme in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, as part of a broader effort to combat child malnutrition and food insecurity among vulnerable groups.
The initiative is designed to support malnourished mothers, expectant mothers, and children between the ages of zero and six by providing access to nutritious food through a structured community-based distribution system.
Speaking at the launch, the First Lady described child malnutrition as a critical national challenge that requires urgent and sustained action. She noted that millions of children across the country still do not have access to adequate nutrition and stressed the importance of expanding support systems nationwide.
She explained that the food bank programme aims to close this gap by strengthening partnerships between government, farmers, food producers, corporate organisations, and local communities to ensure food reaches those most in need.
The Borno State rollout was described as strategic due to the region’s long-standing security challenges, which have worsened food insecurity. The First Lady also commended Governor Babagana Zulum for his efforts in empowering women in the state, describing it as complementary to the objectives of the programme.
In response, Governor Zulum appreciated the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, noting that federal interventions have continued to support Borno’s recovery from insurgency-related challenges.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, explained that the programme will establish community food banks in all local government areas, linked with primary healthcare centres and supported through a voucher-based system targeting malnourished children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and vulnerable households.
The Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, added that beneficiaries diagnosed with malnutrition will receive vouchers redeemable for locally sourced nutritious food at designated health centres.
The initiative is expected to benefit about 500,000 households nationwide, with the Northeast as a major focus due to its high vulnerability levels.
As part of her visit, the First Lady also inaugurated healthcare and educational facilities and held engagements with traditional leaders, including the Shehu of Borno.
