…Lauds Zulum for Prioritizing Women’s Empowerment
…Zulum Donates ₦500 million to Food Bank Trust Fund
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the National Community Food Bank Programme for the North East zone, describing it as a strategic and sustainable response to food insecurity in the country.
Speaking at the multi-purpose hall of the Government House in Maiduguri, Senator Remi Tinubu said the initiative is designed to provide nutritious food to children under the age of six, pregnant and lactating mothers, and vulnerable households across the country.
“The National Community Food Bank Programme is a deliberate and sustainable response to food insecurity and hunger in vulnerable households in Nigeria. It is designed to ensure that vulnerable children under the age of six, pregnant and lactating mothers have access to nutritious food, thereby restoring hope where it is most needed,” Senator Tinubu stated.
The First Lady had earlier flagged off food distribution. She inspected the food bank and stabilization centre at Shuwari II Primary Healthcare Centre, where she also spoke with some beneficiaries.
According to her, the initiative is being implemented in collaboration with key institutions, including the Office of the First Lady, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and the Bank of Agriculture.
The First Lady commended Borno State Governor for donating to the Trust Fund. “I would like to commend Your Excellency for the generous donation which affirms that we are indeed our brothers’ keepers and gives confidence that this programme will endure and thrive for many years to come beyond this administration.”
She also praised Governor Zulum’s efforts to empower women in the state. “I would like to specially commend the Governor of Borno State for his remarkable gesture of empowering 2,000 women through the provision of sewing machines and a grant of N100,000 each. He has brought hope and support to many families. I say thank you on their behalf,” she added.
She further lauded the governor’s commitment to development, citing key projects commissioned during her visit. “Your Excellency, you are doing a great job in Borno State across critical sectors, and this is clearly evident in the three projects I have just commissioned today. These projects speak volumes about your administration’s commitment to education, healthcare, and the overall well-being of the people. I say well done,” the First Lady concluded.
…Zulum Donates ₦500,000,000 to Food Bank Trust Fund
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced a donation of ₦500,000,000 on behalf of Borno State Government to the National Community Food Bank Trust Fund to ensure the sustainability of the programme.
He described the ongoing interventions by the federal government and the Office of the First Lady as critical to advancing development and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable people in the state.
“Your Excellency, we deeply appreciate your continued leadership and support. These interventions reflect the strong partnership between the Federal and State Governments in advancing development and improving livelihoods,” Zulum said.
Highlighting developments in the health sector, Zulum said the commissioning of Nurses’ Quarters underscores his administration’s commitment to workforce welfare.
“Nurses are central to healthcare delivery, especially in underserved areas. Providing safe and nearby accommodation will improve service delivery, staff retention, and emergency response, adding that the facility’s proximity to the State Specialists Hospital would ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.”
On education, the governor outlined significant progress achieved. “The State has constructed 104 mega schools, expanded senior secondary schools from 34 to 129, and increased enrolment to over 1.4 million learners,” he said.
“In recognition of excellence and dedication, nine education personnel are being honored today, with brand-new vehicles and a house to outstanding teachers, head teachers, principals, TVET coordinators, and civil servants.”
The governor further expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving funding for power infrastructure in the state. “We wish to express our profound appreciation to His Excellency for approving the sum of sixty-eight billion naira to support power supply in Borno State through the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant,” he said. “This strategic intervention will significantly improve electricity supply in Maiduguri and surrounding areas.”
Borno State First Lady, Dr Falmata Babagana Zulum, commended Senator Oluremi Tinubu for launching the programme in Borno State, which has endured prolonged humanitarian challenges over 16 years of insurgency.
The programme was attended by the representative of the Governor of Gombe State, members of the national and state assemblies, ministers of Health, Education, and Agriculture, Shehu of Borno, Dikwa, and Emir of Shani, wives of state governors, secretary to Borno State Government, Heads of Federal and state agencies and parastatals, among other personalities.
