A former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has commended the 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 significant intervention for vulnerable Nigerians, particularly pregnant and lactating women, malnourished children and other people requiring food support.
Speaking with journalists after the launch in Calabar, she said the facility would provide nutritional assistance while creating a market for local farmers and producers.
She said, “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.
“Lactating mothers, pregnant women, malnourished children and other vulnerable persons can walk into the facility and get food whenever they need it.
“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.”
She also commended the Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, and his wife, Eyoanwan, for their support during the First Lady’s visit to the state.
Edu further praised the Federal Government, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and Oluremi Tinubu over the commissioning of an Information and Communication Technology centre at the University of Cross River State.
She said the facility would equip young people, particularly women and youths, with digital skills needed to compete in 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,” Edu stated.
Edu expressed optimism that the centre would provide young people with opportunities to develop skills that could open doors for them locally and internationally.
Edu was named the director of women mobilisation in the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council in August.