Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has praised First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for launching the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South-South region in Calabar, Cross River State.

Edu described the initiative as an important intervention aimed at supporting Nigerians facing food and nutritional challenges, particularly pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, malnourished children and other vulnerable members of society.

The South-South zonal phase of the programme was launched in Calabar on Friday as part of efforts to strengthen food support and improve access to nutritious supplies among vulnerable households across the region.

Speaking after the launch, Edu commended the First Lady for what she described as an initiative capable of directly reaching people who need assistance the most.

She noted that the programme goes beyond food distribution, arguing that its activities could also create economic opportunities for local farmers and producers by providing a market for agricultural products.

According to her, supporting local producers through the food bank could stimulate economic activity in Cross River State and other parts of the South-South region while simultaneously addressing nutritional needs.

Edu also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady for backing the programme, describing the community food bank as an intervention designed to bring social support closer to vulnerable Nigerians.

The initiative is particularly focused on groups considered more vulnerable to food insecurity, including pregnant and lactating women and children suffering from malnutrition.

During the First Lady’s visit to Cross River, she also visited the Edina Primary Healthcare Centre in Calabar Municipal Local Government Area, where she interacted with mothers and children who are among the intended beneficiaries of the intervention.

Edu further commended Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu and his wife, Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for supporting the First Lady’s visit and the activities surrounding the launch.

Beyond the food bank, Edu praised another project inaugurated during the visit an Information and Communication Technology centre at the University of Cross River State.

She said the centre would help young Nigerians, particularly women and youths, acquire digital skills needed to participate effectively in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

Edu specifically highlighted the importance of exposing young people to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, saying the facility could provide skills that would create opportunities both within Nigeria and internationally.

The launch adds Cross River to the growing implementation of the National Community Food Bank Programme, with the South-South initiative expected to provide nutritional support while strengthening links between vulnerable communities and local food producers.

The programme is also expected to complement wider government efforts aimed at reducing food insecurity and improving the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians across the region.