Oluremi Tinubu Expands Food Banks, Declares No Nigerian Child Should Go Hungry

Oluremi Tinubu Expands Food Banks, Declares No Nigerian Child Should Go Hungry

ABUJA, Nigeria – First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed her commitment to tackling child hunger and malnutrition across the country, declaring that no Nigerian child should be allowed to go hungry as the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) expands its National Food Bank Programme and nutrition support interventions nationwide.

Speaking during the second-quarter meeting with wives of state governors at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, the First Lady said the initiative was designed to address child malnutrition at the grassroots level while providing critical support to pregnant women and nursing mothers.

She disclosed that following the inauguration of the National Food Bank Programme in Abuja on February 17, 2026, and its subsequent rollout in the North-East geopolitical zone on April 27, 2026, additional food bank projects would be extended to other regions, including the South-West.

According to her, governors’ wives have a crucial role to play in identifying and supporting vulnerable children within their states.

“Our children are not supposed to be going hungry,” she said. “No matter what, when you see a child that is malnourished in your state, you have to take them and make sure that they are properly cared for.”

Senator Tinubu explained that the food banks are strategically being located close to primary healthcare centres to ensure easy access to nutritional supplements and medical support for children, lactating mothers and pregnant women.

“These food banks are built next to the primary healthcare centres so that those who need supplements can get them. Lactating mothers and pregnant women too will be given food items from the food bank,” she stated.

The First Lady noted that the programme is being strengthened through partnerships with key institutions, including the Bank of Agriculture, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dangote Group and the National Population Commission.

She said the support from these organisations would help establish and sustain food banks across the country.

“What we have done so far is to come up with the strategy, which for me is a very good example. It is now left for the First Ladies to take it upon themselves and make sure that the states have more food banks because our children are not supposed to be going hungry,” she added.

The First Lady stressed that the food bank programme forms part of a broader social investment agenda under the Renewed Hope Initiative, which also focuses on education, scholarships, economic empowerment, environmental sustainability and other community-based interventions.

She emphasized that the programmes are designed to create lasting benefits for future generations.

“What we are doing in this administration is to make sure that even generations unborn would benefit,” she said.

Senator Tinubu also appealed for increased public and private sector support for the National Food Bank Drive, which is domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, while urging state governments and governors’ spouses to intensify efforts in identifying and supporting malnourished children.

Addressing State House correspondents after the meeting, the First Lady described her role and those of governors’ wives as complementary and supportive.

“I’m the housewife here and I’m only playing complementary and supportive roles. That’s what all these women here have been doing,” she said.

She explained that the Renewed Hope Initiative was established to help states maximize available support and translate interventions into tangible benefits for citizens.

“As mothers in the nation, all I do is coordinate them. That’s why we brought RHI on board, so that whatever trickles down to every state, they are expected to multiply it,” she stated.

The First Lady also defended the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the removal of fuel subsidy, describing them as difficult but necessary measures aimed at securing long-term national prosperity.

She urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to adapt to evolving economic realities by embracing entrepreneurship and opportunities available through government ministries, departments and agencies, especially via digital platforms.

According to her, the administration has recorded significant progress in agriculture, empowerment and social investment programmes.

Highlighting the importance of food security, she encouraged Nigerians to embrace local food production and consumption, citing her personal involvement in gardening as an example of self-sufficiency.

“We have a very proud culture, and I think this is the time we started promoting ourselves and this nation. We have what it takes to do that,” she said.

Senator Tinubu revealed that in its three years of operation, the Renewed Hope Initiative has impacted tens of thousands of beneficiaries across various states through grants, empowerment schemes and social support programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening communities.