First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu has flagged off the National Advocacy and Awareness Campaign for the National Community Food Bank Program, a program designed to address the issues of malnutrition among infants across the nation.
The event which was done during the 1st National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit in Abuja.
“This year, the Office of the First Lady of Nigeria will 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.
“We are collaborating with the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture and other partners to launch the National Community Food Bank program 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”.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu 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.
“ The programme will operate through the nationwide network of Primary Health Centers to identify and register eligible families with children under 6 years old. 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 centers.
“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. 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”.
The First Lady also congratulated the health volunteers, the National Health Fellows.
“I wish you all success as you commence this journey to contribute to our beloved nation, while learning and building your skills”.
Earlier in his remarks, the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare. Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate emphasized 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.
“Without the people of Nigeria, no infrastructure, no oil, no gold, diamond will actually matter”.
Prof. Pate thanked President Bola Ahmed 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 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.
The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi noted with delight that with the gathering of Traditional and Religious Leaders, the Nation is getting more practical in getting it right on health issues.
He said sequel to the Flag-off and outcomes of the summit, there would be a greater need for follow-up and peer reviews.