Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has commended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for launching the National Community Food Bank for the South-South region in Calabar, Cross River State.
Edu described the initiative as a major intervention targeted at vulnerable Nigerians and a boost to the local economy.
Speaking with journalists after the launch on Friday, Edu said the facility would provide direct nutritional assistance while also patronising local farmers and producers.
“I am so grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his beautiful wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who came today to launch the National Community Food Bank. I think it is one of the biggest innovations that reaches those who need it most in Nigeria,” she said.
“Lactating mothers, pregnant women, malnourished children and other vulnerable persons can walk into the facility and get food whenever they need it,” Edu added.
She noted that beyond food distribution, the programme would strengthen the economy of Cross River and the entire South-South region.
“Beyond providing fresh food, the initiative also patronises local producers, meaning that the economy of Cross River State and indeed the entire South-South region will receive a significant boost.”
Edu also praised the Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu*, and his wife Eyoanwan Otu for their support during the First Lady’s visit.
She further commended the Federal Government, TETFund, and Oluremi Tinubu over the commissioning of an Information and Communication Technology centre at the University of Cross River State.
According to her, the ICT centre will equip young people, especially women and youths, with digital skills needed for a technology-driven economy.
“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,” she stated.
Edu expressed optimism that the centre would open doors for young people both locally and internationally.
Edu currently serves as the Director of Women Mobilisation in the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, a position she was named to in August.
The National Community Food Bank targets Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states, focusing on children under six, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
