RismadarVoice Reporters, April 28, 2026
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the National Community Food Bank Programme for the North East zone, describing it as a strategic and sustainable response to food insecurity among vulnerable populations.
The launch took place at the multipurpose hall of the Government House in Maiduguri, Borno State, where the First Lady said the initiative is targeted at improving access to nutritious food for children under six, pregnant and lactating mothers, as well as vulnerable households.
She noted that the programme is a deliberate intervention aimed at addressing hunger and restoring hope among disadvantaged groups across the country.
“The National Community Food Bank Programme is designed to ensure that vulnerable children, pregnant and lactating mothers have access to nutritious food, thereby restoring hope where it is most needed,” she said.
Earlier, Senator Tinubu flagged off the distribution of food items and inspected facilities at the food bank and stabilisation centre located at Shuwari II Primary Healthcare Centre, where she also interacted with beneficiaries.
She explained that the initiative is being implemented in partnership with key institutions, including the Office of the First Lady, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and the Bank of Agriculture.
The First Lady commended Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for his support, particularly his donation to the Food Bank Trust Fund, noting that it demonstrates a strong commitment to sustaining the programme.
She also praised the governor’s women empowerment efforts, highlighting the recent support provided to 2,000 women with sewing machines and grants of ₦100,000 each.
In his remarks, Governor Zulum announced a donation of ₦500 million on behalf of the Borno State Government to the National Community Food Bank Trust Fund to ensure the programme’s sustainability.
He described the intervention as critical to improving the living conditions of vulnerable people and strengthening collaboration between federal and state governments.
Zulum also highlighted achievements in key sectors, including the construction of nurses’ quarters to improve healthcare delivery, the expansion of educational infrastructure with over 104 mega schools, and increased school enrolment to more than 1.4 million learners.
The governor further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving ₦68 billion for power infrastructure in the state, noting that the intervention would significantly improve electricity supply in Maiduguri and its environs.
Also speaking, the First Lady of Borno State, Dr Falmata Babagana Zulum, commended Senator Tinubu for launching the programme in the state, which has faced prolonged humanitarian challenges due to insurgency.
