In a bid to tackle malnutrition among infants across Nigeria, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has officially flagged off the National Advocacy and Awareness Campaign for the National Community Food Bank Program. The launch took place during the 1st National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit held in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu emphasized the importance of collaboration in ensuring the program’s success. “Together, we will build healthier and stronger generations of Nigerian children,” she declared.

She noted that the Office of the First Lady would work closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, as well as financial institutions including the Bank of Industry and Bank of Agriculture, to roll out the program in April 2026.

The program aims to strengthen community nutrition support by improving access to safe and nutritious food for vulnerable children. Eligible families with children under six years old will be identified through primary health centers nationwide. Caregivers will receive counseling and food vouchers redeemable for locally grown, nutritious foods at community food banks near the health centers.

Funding will be sourced through a Trust Fund supported by private sector partners and well-meaning Nigerians, with oversight provided by credible individuals to ensure accountability.

Senator Tinubu highlighted the critical role of traditional and religious leaders in the campaign, urging their support to raise awareness and ensure no family is left behind.

She also commended health volunteers, the National Health Fellows, for their contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.

In his remarks, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, emphasized that human resources are central to national development.

He lauded the First Lady’s initiative and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for convening the summit, which underscores the government’s commitment to the health and well-being of Nigerians. “Before the Nigerian State, there is a Nigerian Nation, and before a Nigerian Nation, there are the Nigerian people,” Prof. Pate said, reiterating the priority of the health sector under the current administration.

His Imperial Majesty Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, expressed optimism about the impact of the summit, noting that the active engagement of traditional and religious leaders is vital for advancing health initiatives.

Development partners, including the World Health Organization and the World Bank, also commended the involvement of community leaders, describing them as central to achieving universal health coverage.

The First Lady announced plans to extend the advocacy campaign to all six geopolitical zones, beginning with the North-East Zone in Borno State, to ensure nationwide awareness and participation.