Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu has been commended for launching a National Community Food Bank in the South-South geopolitical region to provide nutrition for pregnant and nursing mothers.
The Director of Women Mobilisation, Presidential Campaign Council, Dr Betta Edu, was among those, who commended the initiative, saying it would provide direct access to fresh food for Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens and boost local economies.
Edu, who spoke to journalists in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State and venue for the South-South launch of the Food Bank, said, “I am grateful to Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his dear wife, Mrs Oluremi for these innovations in Cross River State and indeed the south-south region.
“This is one of the biggest innovations that gets to those, who need it the most in Nigeria. Lactating mothers, pregnant women, malnourished children and even the vulnerable can walk into that place and get fresh food whenever they need it,” she said.
Economic Impact for Local Farmers
Edu further stated that the initiative would also create economic opportunities by sourcing for fresh crops from local farmers and livestock producers.
“Beyond providing our mothers and the vulnerable with quality fresh foods, the banks would also patronise the locals, who produce these foods. So, the economy of Cross River and indeed the south-south, where these banks are located, will be lifted,” she said.
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She also commended the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu and his wife, Eyoanwan, for the mobilisation and hospitality accorded the First Lady and her entourage.
“I believe that things will only get better for Nigeria and for Cross River State going forward,” she said.
UNICROSS ICT Centre Commissioned
Sneaking on the commissioning of a new ICT Centre at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Edu described the facility as a strategic investment in digital skills and artificial intelligence especially for young women in STEM.
She commended the Nigerian Government, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the First Lady for the commissioning of an ICT centre.
She said, “this is a wonderful job by TETFund and the Nigerian Government under President Tinubu. It is a wonderful ICT centre for young people, especially women, to encourage them and bring them up to speed with what the world is dealing with right now, which is Artificial Intelligence.
“I am sure that these young people will receive 360-degree digital training that can open doors for them both nationally and internationally.
“I am grateful to the wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, for coming in to commission the facility. I believe that the University of Cross River State, women and other students will be better for it,” Edu emphasised.
Edu said the social interventions demonstrated the administration’s commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians and preparing young people for the future.
