First Lady charges traditional leaders to champion fight against child malnutrition

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, has called on traditional leaders across the country to take the lead in the fight against child malnutrition, stressing that their support is critical to the success of the National Community Food Bank Programme.

She made the call on Tuesday while flagging off the National Advocacy and Awareness Campaign for the initiative during the 1st National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit in Abuja.

Addressing the gathering, Senator Tinubu emphasised that traditional rulers remain trusted voices and custodians of their communities whose influence is vital in mobilising households and ensuring that vulnerable children benefit from the programme.

The National Community Food Bank Programme, scheduled for launch in April 2026, is designed to address malnutrition among children under six years old. It will operate through Primary Health Centres nationwide, where eligible families will be identified and registered. Caregivers will receive counselling and food vouchers redeemable for nutritious, locally grown foods at designated food banks located near the centres.

The initiative is a collaboration between the Office of the First Lady and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, alongside other partners, and will be funded through a Trust Fund supported by private sector stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to ensure transparency and accountability.

Senator Tinubu urged traditional leaders to help raise awareness, sensitise communities, and ensure that no eligible family is left behind as the programme is rolled out across the country, noting that collective action would help build healthier and stronger generations of Nigerian children.

Also speaking at the summit, the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Muhammed Ali Pate, underscored the importance of community leadership in advancing national health priorities.

In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, described the engagement as a practical step toward improving health outcomes and called for sustained collaboration and follow-up to achieve measurable impact.