Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has praised First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South-South geopolitical zone in Calabar, Cross River State.
Speaking with journalists after the event, Edu described the initiative as a major intervention that directly supports vulnerable Nigerians, including pregnant and lactating women, malnourished children, and other persons in need of nutritional assistance.
She noted that the food banks will provide immediate access to food while also creating a market for local farmers and producers, thereby boosting the economy of Cross River State and the wider South-South region.
Edu expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady for the programme, calling it one of the most impactful innovations reaching those who need it most. She also acknowledged the efforts of Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu and his wife in facilitating the successful launch.
The South-South rollout marks the fifth zonal phase of the National Community Food Bank Programme under the Renewed Hope Agenda, with three facilities established across Cross River’s senatorial districts to serve children under six, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.