Efforts to cushion the impact of economic hardship on vulnerable Nigerians have received a boost in the South-East with the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme in Anambra State.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu inaugurated the programme at the Old Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, Awka North, as part of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s drive to strengthen food security and extend social support to vulnerable households.
The programme targets vulnerable groups, including widows, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, nursing mothers and young children, through food assistance and nutrition education.
Tinubu said the initiative would complement ongoing government efforts to address the effects of economic hardship while strengthening food security and improving the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.
She said the programme was also part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to promote grassroots development and improve human capital across communities.
According to her, providing food assistance alongside nutrition education would help address immediate household needs while promoting healthier communities.
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The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, Dr Nonye Soludo, received Tinubu at the event, which was attended by government officials, dignitaries and other stakeholders.
The First Lady’s visit also featured the inauguration of a Tertiary Education Trust Fund-sponsored Information and Communications Technology Experience Centre at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko.
The centre is designed to equip young people with digital skills, including software development, data analysis and other technology-related competencies, in response to the growing importance of digital skills in education and employment.
The visit further featured empowerment initiatives involving grants, vocational tools and agricultural inputs for beneficiaries across Anambra’s 21 Local Government Areas.
The interventions are aimed at supporting beneficiaries with resources to improve their livelihoods and strengthen their capacity to participate in economic activities within their communities.
The food bank programme, ICT centre and empowerment initiatives collectively formed part of the engagements during Tinubu’s visit, highlighting the focus on food security, skills development and social support.
The activities also underscored collaboration between the Federal and Anambra State governments in promoting inclusive economic growth, strengthening social welfare and improving opportunities for vulnerable groups and young people.
NAN
