Sen. Remi Tinubu Flags Off National Food Bank Initiative to Combat Child Malnutrition

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has officially flagged off the Advocacy and Awareness Campaign for the National Community Food Bank Programme, aimed at tackling child malnutrition across the country. The launch took place during the 2026 National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

Addressing traditional rulers and religious leaders at the summit, Mrs. Tinubu described health as central to national productivity and development. She noted that President Bola Tinubu has positioned healthcare as a key pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that combating malnutrition is critical to securing the country’s future.

The First Lady announced a strategic collaboration between her office and key institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the Bank of Industry, and the Bank of Agriculture. She disclosed that the programme is scheduled for full rollout in April 2026 and will establish food banks close to Primary Health Centres nationwide.

Under the initiative, caregivers of children under six years old will receive nutritional counselling and food vouchers redeemable for locally grown, nutritious foods at designated food banks. Eligible families will be identified and registered through Primary Health Centres, ensuring that support reaches vulnerable households directly and systematically.

Funding for the programme will be drawn from a Trust Fund overseen by credible Nigerians, with support from private sector partners and philanthropists. Mrs. Tinubu called on community leaders to mobilise grassroots participation, emphasising that collective action and transparency would be crucial to winning the fight against hunger and child malnutrition.