Tinubu advocates national community food bank to address malnutrition

…flags off advocacy, awareness campaign

Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, on Tuesday, flagged off the National Advocacy and Awareness Campaign for the National Community Food Bank Program, a programme designed to address the issues of malnutrition among infants across the nation.

The event was part of the first National Traditional and Religious Leaders Health Summit held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja

According to her, “The programme will operate through the nationwide network of Primary Health Centers to identify and register eligible families with children under 6 years old.

Read also: Poverty, cultural norms, major contributors to malnutrition in Nigeria

“Caregivers will receive counselling and be given food vouchers that they can redeem for nutritious locally grown foods at food banks that will be established close to the health centres.”

The First Lady, said her office would be working with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to address Child Malnutrition across the nation.

This is just as she declared that her office would also be collaborating with the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture and other partners to launch the National Community Food Bank programme in April, 2026.

“This programme is designed to strengthen community nutrition support, improve access to safe and nutritious food for vulnerable children, and contribute meaningfully to the national response to ending child malnutrition”, she noted.

She also stressed that the support and cooperation of the Traditional and Religious Leaders are crucial for the success of the program which would ultimately ensure a healthier future generation of Nigerians.

“This initiative will be funded through a Trust Fund by willing private sector partners and well-meaning Nigerians and to ensure accountability, the Trust Fund will be overseen by credible Nigerians”, she said.

The event which attracted traditional rulers and religious leaders from across the country, also witnessed the graduation of ” Healthcare Volunteers” from across the 774 local governments, who are expected to drive the healthcare policies at the grassroots

“We will be needing a lot of support from you, our revered traditional and religious leaders, to raise awareness and sensitize households to ensure no eligible family is left behind as we roll out the program nationwide.

“I wish you all success as you commence this journey to contribute to our beloved nation, while learning and building your skills”, she added.

Earlier, Mohammed Pate, Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare. in his remarks , emphasised the importance of human resources to the growth and development of any nation which necessitated the decision of the office of the First Lady to partner with the Ministry on the Health and well-being of infants in particular and children in general.

Read also: Over 30,000 children treated for severe acute malnutrition in Kaduna – state nutrition officer

“Without the people of Nigeria, no infrastructure, no oil, no gold, diamond will actually matter”, he said.

Pate thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the convening of the 1st ever Traditional and Religious Summit which is a clear indication of the President belief in the pivotal role of these group to the health and well-being of Nigerians.

“Before the Nigerian State, there is a Nigerian Nation, before a Nigerian Nation, there is the Nigerian people. And that is why Mr President prioritizes the health sector in all ramifications”, he noted.

He commended the First Lady for her various efforts and contributions to the health sector in the nation especially in the areas of child and women’s health.