APC chieftain, Dr Betta Edu, has commended President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for launching interventions aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable residents and empowering young Nigerians in Cross River State.
Edu, who currently serves as Director of Women Mobilization at the Presidential Campaign Council, gave the commendation while speaking with journalists in Calabar on Saturday, particularly praising the launch of the National Community Food Bank for the South-South region in Calabar by the First Lady, describing the initiative as one of the most impactful innovations of the Tinubu administration.
According to Edu, the food bank has the potential to address immediate nutritional challenges among vulnerable Nigerians, particularly pregnant and lactating women, malnourished children and other disadvantaged members of society.
She said the initiative would provide fresh food to people in need while supporting broader efforts to tackle malnutrition and improve the general wellbeing of beneficiaries across the South-South region.
Beyond its social impact, Edu said the food bank could also contribute to local economic development by creating demand for agricultural produce and supporting farmers, food producers, suppliers and other businesses operating in Cross River and neighboring states.
“I think it is one of the biggest innovations that gets to those who need it the most in Nigeria,” Edu said, stressing the importance of government interventions that directly reach vulnerable communities.
The former minister also commended Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu and his wife, Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu, for their mobilization efforts and commitment to improving the wellbeing and development of residents.
Edu expressed optimism that the food bank would strengthen food security while simultaneously creating economic opportunities for farmers, food processors, suppliers and other local entrepreneurs.
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She also praised the Federal Government and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for establishing an Information and Communication Technology centre at the University of Cross River.
According to her, the ICT facility represents an important investment in the future of young Nigerians, particularly women, by equipping students with skills required to compete in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
Edu said the centre would expose students to emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, while providing practical training that could improve their chances of accessing opportunities within Nigeria and internationally.
“I am sure these young people will receive 360-degree digital training that can open doors for them both nationally and internationally,” she said.
She noted that access to digital skills and emerging technologies had become increasingly important as economies around the world continued to embrace innovation and technology.
Edu said the combination of interventions targeting food security and digital education demonstrated the government’s focus on addressing both immediate welfare concerns and long-term economic opportunities.
She maintained that while initiatives such as the community food bank could help reduce vulnerability and improve nutrition, investments in ICT and digital skills could prepare young Nigerians to participate more effectively in the modern economy.
The former minister therefore expressed confidence that the interventions would contribute to improving the quality of life of beneficiaries while supporting economic activities and human capital development in Cross River and the wider South-South region.
NAN
