The Federal Government has officially commenced the North-East regional rollout of the National Community Food Bank Programme (NCFBP), aimed at reducing cases of child malnutrition across vulnerable communities.
Speaking in Maiduguri on Monday, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described child malnutrition as a critical national challenge that requires urgent and sustained intervention.
She noted that a significant number of Nigerian children still lack access to adequate nutrition, stressing that the expansion of the programme is intended to reach more households across the country.
Tinubu appreciated the support of government institutions, state leaders, private sector partners, and other Nigerians who have contributed to efforts aimed at improving child nutrition.
She said the success of the initiative reflects collective responsibility, adding that sustained goodwill would ensure the programme continues beyond the current administration.
According to her, food bank systems have been effective globally in distributing nutritious food to people in need through partnerships involving farmers, food producers, corporate organisations, and local communities.
She emphasised that collaboration and accountability would be key to the success of the programme, particularly in reaching vulnerable families nationwide.
Tinubu explained that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, especially in the areas of food security, healthcare improvement, and social welfare.
She said the programme is being implemented with support from relevant federal agencies, including the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and the Bank of Agriculture.
The First Lady added that the scheme will be expanded to other regions, urging individuals, groups, and institutions in the North-East to actively support its implementation.
She also explained that the choice of Borno State for the flag-off was deliberate, given the region’s history of security challenges that have worsened food insecurity and malnutrition.
According to her, the programme will complement ongoing state-level interventions focused on improving access to nutritious food for women and children.
Tinubu commended Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for his efforts in empowering women, noting that many of them are expected to benefit from the initiative.
The North-East is expected to benefit significantly from the programme, which targets about 500,000 households nationwide, particularly pregnant women, children under six years, and other vulnerable groups.
The initiative follows the earlier inauguration of the National Community Food Bank Trust Fund and its Board of Trustees in Abuja on April 2