From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the National Community Food Bank Programme for the North East, describing it as a strategic and sustainable response to food insecurity in the country.
The launch, held at the multi-purpose hall of the Government House in Maiduguri, targets children under the age of six, pregnant and lactating mothers, and vulnerable households across the region.
“The National Community Food Bank Programme is a deliberate and sustainable response to food insecurity and hunger in vulnerable households in Nigeria. It is designed to ensure that vulnerable children under the age of six, pregnant and lactating mothers have access to nutritious food, thereby restoring hope where it is most needed,” Senator Tinubu stated.
The First Lady had earlier flagged off food distribution and inspected the food bank and stabilisation centre at Shuwari II Primary Healthcare Centre, where she interacted with beneficiaries.
She noted that the initiative is being implemented in collaboration with key institutions, including the Office of the First Lady, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and the Bank of Agriculture.
Senator Tinubu commended Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for his support, particularly his donation to the programme’s Trust Fund.
“I would like to commend Your Excellency for the generous donation which affirms that we are indeed our brothers’ keepers and gives confidence that this programme will endure and thrive for many years to come beyond this administration,” she said.
She also praised the governor’s women empowerment initiative, noting that the distribution of sewing machines and grants to 2,000 women has provided support and renewed hope for many families.
In his remarks, Governor Zulum announced a donation of ₦500 million on behalf of the Borno State Government to the National Community Food Bank Trust Fund to ensure the sustainability of the programme.
He described the interventions by the Federal Government and the Office of the First Lady as critical to improving the livelihoods of vulnerable people.
“Your Excellency, we deeply appreciate your continued leadership and support. These interventions reflect the strong partnership between the Federal and State Governments in advancing development and improving livelihoods,” Zulum said.
Highlighting progress in the health sector, the governor said the commissioning of Nurses’ Quarters reflects his administration’s commitment to workforce welfare, noting that improved accommodation would enhance service delivery, staff retention, and emergency response.
On education, Zulum disclosed that the state has constructed 104 mega schools, expanded senior secondary schools from 34 to 129, and increased enrolment to over 1.4 million learners.
He added that nine outstanding education personnel were honoured with vehicles and a house in recognition of their contributions to the sector.
The governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving ₦68 billion for power infrastructure in the state, noting that the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant would significantly improve electricity supply in the capital and surrounding areas.
Borno State First Lady, Dr Falmata Babagana Zulum, commended Senator Oluremi Tinubu for launching the programme in the state, which has faced prolonged humanitarian challenges due to insurgency.
The event was attended by the representative of the Governor of Gombe State, members of the National and State Assemblies, Ministers of Health, Education and Agriculture, the Shehu of Borno, Emir of Dikwa, Emir of Shani, wives of state governors, the Secretary to the Borno State Government, and heads of federal and state agencies, among other dignitaries.