First Lady meets BOA MD over national food bank rollout

First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday received the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Agriculture, Ayo Sotinrin, at the State House in Abuja, as part of efforts to advance key agricultural and nutrition initiatives.

Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting, Sotinrin said the First Lady’s interventions in agriculture were already yielding positive results, particularly in strengthening food security and improving maternal and child health outcomes.

He highlighted the forthcoming launch of the National Community Food Bank programme, an initiative recently announced by the First Lady, which is aimed at addressing child malnutrition across the country.

According to him, the programme will not only provide food support to vulnerable communities but will also promote bio-fortification at the production stage to tackle malnutrition at its source.

Sotinrin said discussions during the meeting focused on finalising modalities for the rollout of the National Community Food Bank programme.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute to building a healthier future for Nigerian children.

The Bank of Agriculture MD also noted that the First Lady’s “Every Home A Garden” initiative is receiving attention from the bank as part of broader efforts to boost the Federal Government’s food security agenda.

He disclosed that plans are underway to establish a scheme for female civil servants, enabling them to access support through the programme.