The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Tuesday, launched the South-West Zonal National Community Food Bank in Ogun state, calling on state governments across the region to replicate the initiative to combat food insecurity and child malnutrition.

​Speaking at the launch held at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, Senator Tinubu emphasised that the initiative was designed to provide vulnerable Nigerians particularly children under six, pregnant women, and lactating mothers with sustained access to nutritious food free of charge.

​She urged South-West governors to establish state-level community food banks in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to handle operations and ensure steady food supplies. 

Clarifying the concept, the First Lady noted that unlike food hubs, food banks specifically cater to disadvantaged citizens without cost.

​The First Lady highlighted that the initiative aligns directly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which prioritizes social protection, healthcare, food security, and human capital development. 

She therefore advocated for locating these facilities near Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) for easier access by target families.

​Commending Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun, for his commitment to public welfare, Senator Tinubu also commissioned major state projects, including the Gateway Medical Centre of Excellence and the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate, praising them as impactful development initiatives.

​In his address, Governor Abiodun stated that the joint effort reflects a shared vision between the Federal Government and Ogun State to build a more inclusive nation. 

He noted that project execution, rather than policy formulation alone, is what truly transforms lives under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

​Governor Abiodun added that placing food banks within PHCs allows the government to efficiently identify vulnerable households, track children at risk of malnutrition, and support nursing mothers effectively. He noted that the true value of governance lies in saving lives and sheltering families.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the project as a vital bridge between local farmers and consumers. He recalled that President Tinubu had previously declared a state of emergency on food security to tackle the issue comprehensively.

​Senator Kyari noted that the program goes beyond simple distribution by strengthening agricultural production through structured procurement, stating, 

“A food bank that hands out food solves a meal. A food bank tied to a farm solves a season”, he said.

​Similarly, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, praised the project as an essential platform to tackle the health consequences of food insecurity. He urged all South-West governors to scale up the initiative within their respective states.

​Providing technical details, Executive Secretary of the NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina, explained that the agency will partner with key stakeholders to strengthen production and distribute nutritious food. He confirmed the program targets children aged six months to six years alongside pregnant women, utilizing the nation’s 13,500 PHCs.

​In his goodwill message, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Michael Aremu Gbadebo, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for bringing the program to Ogun State, noting its immense potential to relieve vulnerable members of the community.