Oluremi Tinubu Launches National Food Bank

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is launching the National Community Food Bank Programme, a major initiative aimed at tackling hunger and improving nutrition among vulnerable households across the country.
The programme targets at least 500,000 households in its first year, focusing on providing access to healthy and nutritious food, particularly for children under the age of six. According to Mediaplusng.com, the initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen community-based nutrition systems and support the federal government’s food security agenda.
The First Lady describes the programme as a sustainable intervention designed to bridge the gap between food availability and accessibility, especially for low-income families facing rising food costs.
Speaking at the launch, Senator Tinubu explains that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes food security, improved healthcare outcomes, and the overall well-being of Nigerians.
The programme is implemented in collaboration with key institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the Bank of Industry, alongside private sector and civil society partners.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the launch also features the inauguration of the Board of Trustees for the Community Food Bank Trust Fund, which is designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and sustainability of the initiative.
A total of over 65 billion naira is mobilized through combined contributions from government, corporate organizations, and philanthropic foundations, signaling strong national support for the programme.
Senator Tinubu donates 500 million naira to the fund and commends other major donors, including significant pledges from corporate bodies, government institutions, and development partners.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited commits substantial funding spread over five years, while the Federal Government and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum each pledge 17 billion naira to support implementation across states.
Private foundations and international supporters also contribute, further strengthening the financial base required to scale the programme nationwide.
The First Lady explains that the trust fund is structured to ensure that resources are managed efficiently, with strict oversight mechanisms to guarantee that funds reach intended beneficiaries.
Members of the Board of Trustees are selected based on experience, integrity, and commitment to public service, with a mandate to provide strategic leadership and ensure responsible use of funds.
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, reaffirms the commitment of state governments to match federal contributions and support implementation at the grassroots level.
He notes that a significant percentage of Nigerian children under five face stunted growth due to chronic undernutrition, describing the issue as both a health and national development challenge.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, underscores the importance of nutrition as a foundation for public health and national development.
According to him, ensuring that no Nigerian child goes to bed hungry is not only a policy priority but also a moral obligation that requires collective action from all sectors.
He confirms that the Federal Government approves a 17 billion naira intervention through the Social Action Fund to support community-based nutrition programmes.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, describes the programme as a shift from reactive responses to a more structured and sustainable approach to addressing food insecurity.
He notes that millions of Nigerian children face malnutrition, while post-harvest losses remain a major challenge, affecting food availability and affordability nationwide.
Representatives of local government authorities emphasize the importance of grassroots implementation, noting that communities are central to the success of the programme.
The Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Ayodeji Sotinrin, explains that the fund is domiciled within the institution, with strict controls to ensure transparency in disbursement and utilization.
Disbursement approvals require multiple authorizations, while procurement and distribution processes are monitored through independent verification and periodic reporting.
Food supplies are distributed through the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency network, ensuring that beneficiaries are reached at ward level across all 36 states.
Implementation is planned across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with a focus on reaching vulnerable populations and improving access to nutritious food.
Stakeholders describe the programme as a strategic effort to combat hunger, reduce malnutrition, and promote inclusive development across the country.
As Nigeria continues to address economic and social challenges, the National Community Food Bank Programme represents a coordinated response aimed at improving food access, strengthening community resilience, and securing a healthier future for millions of citizens.
Observers say the success of the initiative will depend on sustained collaboration, transparency, and effective delivery at all levels.