The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, officially launched the Community Food Bank Trust Fund during a ceremony at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, unveiling the Board of Trustees for the initiative. The programme aims to support 500,000 households nationwide in its first year, providing consistent access to healthy and nutritious food for vulnerable children.
Addressing the launch, Senator Tinubu emphasized that child malnutrition remains a pressing national priority, with millions of Nigerian children in need of proper nourishment to ensure healthy growth and development. She said:
“Each day of inaction affects their health, growth, potential, and future. Addressing this issue is urgent and essential to securing our nation’s future.”
The First Lady described the programme as a sustainable, community-driven response designed to make nutritious food accessible to children under six, strengthen local nutrition systems, and restore hope where it is most needed. She stressed that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to advance food security and safeguard the well-being of Nigerian children.
Senator Tinubu also confirmed her personal donation of ₦500 million toward the Trust Fund, highlighting its collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and the Bank of Agriculture.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, reinforced the urgency of addressing malnutrition, stating:
“Malnutrition remains one of Nigeria’s most serious public health challenges, contributing significantly to under-five mortality and limiting the growth and potential of millions of children. Recent national surveys indicate that about four in ten Nigerian children under five are stunted.”
The launch drew significant support from the private sector and philanthropic organizations, with pledges totaling over ₦60.5 billion. Highlights include:
Dangote Foundation, represented by Zouera Youssoufou, committed ₦20 billion in-kind support over five years, providing fortified and nutritious food products.
NNPC Limited, represented by Sofia Mbakwe, pledged ₦10 billion over five years, leveraging strategic partnerships to ensure lasting impact.
Sir Emeka Offor Foundation contributed ₦500 million immediately.
Friends of the First Lady donated $500,000, while the Federal Government allocated ₦17 billion through the Social Action Fund.
ALGON and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) also voiced full support. ALGON pledged grassroots partnership to implement the programme in rural and underserved communities, while Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, NGF Chairman, promised complementary funding across states to strengthen the initiative.
Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, confirmed that Community Food Bank Trust Funds will be established in every local government to ensure nationwide coverage.
Senator Tinubu concluded by urging both the public and private sectors to contribute to a shared vision: “A Nigeria where no child goes to bed hungry.”
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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