First Lady Hints On Plans For National Food Bank

Nigeria’s first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has disclosed that plans are underway to launch a National Community Food Bank Project aimed at tackling child malnutrition and improving access to nutritious food across the country.

Wife of the vice president, Hajiya Nana Shettima, who stood in for Senator Oluremi, made this known during the donation of food items to persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in Taraba State.

The food items were presented to the Taraba State coordinator of the initiative and wife of the governor, Mrs Agyin Agbu Kefas, for onward distribution to targeted beneficiaries across the state.

According to the first lady, since the launch of the initiative in 2024, food items have been distributed to persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in 24 states of the federation, including Taraba State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

She noted that the programme’s success would not have been possible without the support of its donors, the Abdulsamad Rabiu Africa Initiative and another donor who chose to remain anonymous.

“This act of kindness has been made possible through the generous support of our two donors, who have committed to supplying two truckloads of food items to the Renewed Hope Initiative every month,” she said.

Senator Oluremi added that with the distribution in Taraba, the programme has now reached 24 beneficiary states, while Zamfara State is expected to be the next beneficiary.

Shettima explained that the initiative was designed to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which aims to improve the welfare of Nigerians, particularly vulnerable groups.

“Our goal at the Renewed Hope Initiative is to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to support all Nigerians to thrive and achieve their goals irrespective of their circumstances,” she said.

She further revealed that the initiative plans to roll out additional economic empowerment programmes later in the year targeted at women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities.

“By the grace of God, we will launch the National Community Food Bank Project in Borno State in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Bank of Agriculture.

“This initiative is designed to tackle child malnutrition, improve access to nutritious food and strengthen community support systems to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive,” she added.

The first lady also commended Mrs Kefas for her commitment and support towards the successful implementation of Renewed Hope Initiative programmes in the state.

In his remarks, Governor Agbu Kefas expressed gratitude to the Renewed Hope Initiative for the gesture, describing the programme as timely and impactful.

According to the governor, the initiative reflects a deep understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians.

“This initiative demonstrates leadership, compassion and a commitment to placing people at the centre of governance,” he said.

Governor Kefas also highlighted the strong spirit of teamwork within the initiative, noting that the collaboration between the first lady, the vice chairperson, wives of governors and other partners has been instrumental to its success.

He added that the food outreach programme would serve as a source of encouragement and renewed hope for many families, while also strengthening the partnership between the federal and state governments.

Speaking in her own capacity, the wife of the Taraba State governor, Mrs Agyin Agbu Kefas, expressed optimism that the gesture would go a long way in alleviating the hardship faced by vulnerable groups in the state.

She assured the national leadership of the Renewed Hope Initiative of the state’s continued support and partnership towards advancing the objectives of the initiative and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.