Oluremi Tinubu Flags Off National Community Food Bank Programme in South-South, Donates N500m to Calabar Fire Victims
…Commissions RHI/TETFUND ICT Experience Centre at University of Cross River
First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has flagged off the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South-South geopolitical zone in Calabar, Cross River State, as part of efforts to tackle child malnutrition and support vulnerable households.
The initiative, launched on Friday, September 4, 2026, targets children under six years, pregnant women and lactating mothers, with the First Lady urging state governments to adopt the programme to expand its impact.
Speaking at the event, Oluremi Tinubu said three food banks were being launched simultaneously in Cross River State to strengthen the fight against malnutrition.
She disclosed that about 1,179 beneficiaries had already been enrolled, while 2,089 food packages had been distributed under the intervention.
“The National Community Food Bank Programme is a deliberate and sustainable response to food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable households. It is designed to provide nutritious food to children under the age of six, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, giving them the support required for healthy growth and development,” she said.
The First Lady added that the programme aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly its focus on food security, improved healthcare outcomes and the well-being of Nigerians.
The South-South launch brings the number of geopolitical zones covered by the intervention to five out of six.
### First Lady Commissions ICT Experience Centre
Also in Calabar, the First Lady commissioned a new RHI/TETFUND ICT Experience Centre at the University of Cross River, as part of efforts to promote ICT skills acquisition among young Nigerians and support innovation.
The centre, which is already in use, features innovation laboratories, technology laboratories and an engineering workshop, among other facilities.
### N500m Relief for Calabar Fire Victims
During the visit, Oluremi Tinubu, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, announced a ₦500 million relief donation for 18 business owners affected by the recent fire disaster at Calabar Mall.
The donation includes ₦25 million each for the 18 affected business owners, alongside an additional ₦50 million donation to women’s groups in Cross River State.
The First Lady also held an advocacy engagement with the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council, where she emphasised the importance of traditional institutions as key stakeholders in national development.
She said traditional rulers should receive regular updates on government interventions and their impact on communities.
Responding, the Chairman of the Cross River Traditional Council and Paramount Ruler of Abi Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty Ovai Solomon Edward, thanked President Tinubu for his programmes and policies.
He noted that transforming the country was an onerous task that required time and patience from citizens.
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