First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Drives South-West Food Bank Initiative Against Malnutrition

On Tuesday, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, officially inaugurated the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South-West geopolitical zone. This vital initiative is designed to offer healthy and nutritious food support to vulnerable groups, including children under the age of six suffering from malnutrition, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. The launch event, which marked the fourth zonal flag-off of the programme, took place in Makun Sagamu, Ogun State.

Mrs. Tinubu highlighted that the establishment of the national community food bank aligns perfectly with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. The agenda's core objectives are to enhance food security, improve public health outcomes, and contribute to the development of a more prosperous nation. She extended her gratitude to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and his wife, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, for their proactive efforts in setting up three food banks already in Sagamu, Yewa North, and Abeokuta.

The First Lady also acknowledged the contributions of key health officials, including Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and Dr. Muyi Aina, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency. She commended their dedication to ensuring the well-being of the nation’s most vulnerable children and new mothers. Mrs. Tinubu further elaborated that the programme represents a calculated and sustainable approach to tackle food insecurity and widespread malnutrition among at-risk households nationwide. She reaffirmed that the programme's specific design ensures easy access to nutritious food for young children, expectant mothers, and breastfeeding women.

Following the food bank launch, Mrs. Tinubu proceeded to commission the Muhammadu Buhari Housing Estate located in Kobape, Ogun State. She described the housing project as a significant achievement in the state's ongoing efforts to provide residents with suitable, modern, and affordable housing solutions. The estate, which comprises 108 housing units, is strategically situated along the Oke-Mosan-Kobape Express Road.

During the inauguration, Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed his appreciation to the First Lady. He underscored the critical importance of addressing the housing deficit within the state by offering decent and cost-effective accommodation, which will ultimately enhance citizens' living standards. Governor Abiodun pledged that his administration would continue its relentless work to deliver affordable housing units to its citizens throughout its tenure. Later in her visit, Mrs. Tinubu also inaugurated the Gateway Medical Center of Excellence and held meetings with traditional rulers in the 'Gateway State'.