….. Commission Zulum’s projects

By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

The wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Monday flagged-off the National Community Food Bank Programme (NCFBP) aimed at tackling hunger and malnutrition nationwide.

The Nigerian First Lady who was in Maiduguri unveiled the programme for the North Eastern states of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba.

This is as the First Lady commissioned the newly constructed Nursing Quarters at State Specialist Hospital, Mega Junior Secondary/Primary Schools executed at Abbaganaram and Aliyaskri communities with ICT Centres by Governor Babagana Zulum within the metropolis.

Recalled that earlier in April this year in Abuja, over N65 billion was realised at the inauguration of the Board of Trustees and fundraising ceremony of the NCFBP, primarily to fight malnutrition and hunger.

The Food Bank which comprised of Beans, Soya Beans, Rice, Groundnuts, Watermelon, palm oil, dried fish, onions, Sweet Potatoes, Cucumber, eggs, tomatoes, orange is been implemented by the Office of the First Lady in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Bank of Agriculture and the Bank of Industry which serve as a bridge between food surplus and communities in need.

Speaking in Maiduguri, the First Lady stressed that child malnutrition remains a pressing national priority, adding that millions of Nigerian children still lack access to adequate nutrition, adding, such need to be addressed under the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

She noted that the choice of Borno for the lunch is strategic due to the devastating crisis perpetrated by insurgents which have socially and economically affected lives of the resilient people in the region.

According to her: “Child malnutrition in Nigeria remains a pressing national priority, with millions of children in need of consistent access to the nourishment required for healthy growth and development.

“Each day of our inaction affects their health, growth, potentials and future. Therefore, addressing this issue is both urgent and essential to securing our nation’s future”. She said.

Mrs. Tinubu described the initiative “as a sustainable intervention which aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“The Community Food Bank Programme was conceived by us as sustainable response to bringing healthy and nutritious food within the reach of vulnerable children under six, strengthening community-based nutrition systems, and restoring hope where it is most needed.

“Our goal is to build a strong and effective food bank system in Nigeria that is supported through a well-structured trust fund, governed transparently, and capable of reaching communities and vulnerable households across the country,” she stated.

The First Lady in company of Governor Zulum and his wife, Dr. Falmata Zulum among other dignitaries paid home to the Shehu of Borno at his palace.

The Royal Father, Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-amin Elkanemi and Governor Zulum in their separate remarks praised President Tinubu, especially his recent approval of N68 billion for operational support and maintenance of the Maiduguri Power Plant to ensure stable electricity supply following incessant Boko Haram vandalization of electric towers along Maiduguri-Damaturu-Kano road.

Speaking briefly, Mrs. Tinubu assured the two Borno leaders and people of the North East of federal government’s resolve to address malnutrition and hunger under the NCFBP.

Also while at the Government House, the First Lady launched the distribution of Sewing machines and a donation of N100,000 to each of the 2,000 women by the Borno State Government.

Governor Zulum in his speech, announced the donation of N500 million to support the NCFBP, while the First Lady also announced her donation to the tune of N500 million for the programme.