Oluremi Tinubu launches national food bank programme, secures N65bn support

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday launched the National Community Food Bank Programme aimed at supporting at least 500,000 vulnerable households across the country within its first year.

The initiative, unveiled alongside the inauguration of the Community Food Bank Trust Fund Board of Trustees, has already secured about N65 billion in funding commitments from government institutions, corporate organisations and private donors.

Speaking at the event, the First Lady said the programme was designed to improve access to nutritious food for vulnerable children under six and strengthen community nutrition systems.

She said, “The Community Food Bank Programme was conceived as a sustainable response to bringing healthy and nutritious food within the reach of vulnerable children, strengthening community-based nutrition systems and restoring hope where it is most needed.”

Tinubu explained that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at improving food security and protecting the wellbeing of Nigerian children.

She added, “Our goal is to build a strong and effective food bank system in Nigeria that is supported through a well-structured trust fund, governed transparently, and capable of reaching communities and households across the country.”

The First Lady also announced her personal donation of N500 million to the fund while commending other major donors including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), which pledged N10 billion over five years, and the Federal Government’s N17 billion intervention through the Social Action Fund. Other contributions include N500 million from the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation and a matching N17 billion pledge from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, said state governments were committed to supporting the initiative, noting the growing food challenges facing many Nigerians. He said, “Across our states, we see the pressure many households face in accessing affordable and nutritious food. More than one-third of the children under five are stunted. This is not only a health issue, but it is also a national issue.”