…Expands National Food Banks To Tackle Malnutrition
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has declared that no Nigerian child should go hungry during the unveiling of new measures under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to expand National Food Banks, nutrition support programmes and community interventions for vulnerable families across the country.
Speaking at the second-quarter meeting with wives of state governors at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, the First Lady said the initiative is aimed at tackling child malnutrition at the grassroots while providing support for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
She disclosed that following the inauguration of the National Food Bank Programme in Abuja on February 17, 2026, and its rollout in the North-East geopolitical zone in April, the initiative would be extended to other regions across the country.
In a statement by Senior Special Assistant Media to the First Lady, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs Tinubu urged governors’ wives to remain vigilant in identifying and supporting malnourished children in their states.
“Our children are not supposed to be going hungry. Whenever you see a malnourished child, ensure that the child receives proper care,” she said.
She further stated that the food banks are being strategically located close to primary healthcare centres to enable families access nutrition support alongside medical services.
She also explained that lactating mothers, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups would benefit from food items and nutritional supplements provided through the programme.
According to her, the initiative is receiving support from development partners and institutions, including the Bank of Agriculture, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Dangote Group and the National Population Commission.
The First Lady said the collaboration would help strengthen and sustain food banks across the states, while calling on governors’ wives to champion the establishment of more centres in their respective states.
“It is now left for the first ladies to take it upon themselves and make sure that the states have more food banks because our children are not supposed to be going hungry,” she said.
She further stated that the food bank project forms part of a broader social investment agenda under the Renewed Hope Initiative, which also covers education, scholarships, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability programmes.
She also stressed that the administration’s interventions are designed to create lasting benefits for future generations.
Mrs Tinubu also appealed for greater support and donations to the National Food Bank Drive, which is domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting, she described her role and that of governors’ wives as supportive, noting that the Renewed Hope Initiative was established to complement government efforts and ensure that benefits reach communities across the country.
She acknowledged that some of the administration’s policies, including fuel subsidy removal, have been challenging but maintained that they were necessary to secure long-term economic gains.
The First Lady further urged young Nigerians to embrace entrepreneurship and explore opportunities in small and medium-scale enterprises rather than relying solely on government jobs.
She also highlighted progress recorded in agriculture, empowerment and social investment programmes, while encouraging Nigerians to promote local culture, agricultural products and indigenous businesses.
According to her, the Renewed Hope Initiative has, within three years, impacted tens of thousands of beneficiaries nationwide through grants, empowerment schemes and other support programmes.
(The Whistler)
