The Director of Women Mobilisation, Presidential Campaign Council, Dr Betta Edu, has commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the successful launch of the National Community Food Bank for the South-South Region in Calabar, Cross River State.
Edu described the initiative as one of the most impactful innovations of the Renewed Hope Administration, particularly for vulnerable Nigerians, including pregnant and lactating women, malnourished children and other persons in need of food support.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the launch in Calabar, Edu said the Community Food Bank would not only provide immediate nutritional assistance to vulnerable families but also stimulate local production and strengthen the economy of Cross River State and the South-South region.
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 gets to those who need it the 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.”
Edu also commended the Cross River State Governor Bassey Edet Otu and his wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for the effective mobilisation and hospitality extended during the visit of the First Lady, as well as their efforts toward the development of the state.
She expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute to improving the wellbeing of vulnerable citizens while creating opportunities for local farmers and producers.
“I want to commend the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Otu, and his dear wife for the wonderful mobilisation today and for the great work they are doing in Cross River State.
“I believe that things will only get better for Nigeria and for Cross River State going forward,” she said.
Edu, who also described herself as a woman in technology, commended the Federal Government, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the commissioning of an ICT centre at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS).
She said the facility would provide young Nigerians, especially women and youth, with the skills and exposure required to compete in an increasingly technology-driven global economy, particularly in the area of Artificial Intelligence.
According to her, the investment represents a strategic intervention in women and youth development and digital capacity building.
She said, “I think that’s a wonderful job by TETFund and the Federal Government of Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“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.
“I am sure that these young people will receive 360-degree digital training that can open doors for them both nationally and internationally.
“I am grateful to the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for coming in to commission the facility. I believe that the University of Cross River State, women and other students will be better for it.”
Edu said the combination of social interventions such as the National Community Food Bank and investments in technology and human capital demonstrated the administration’s commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians and preparing young people for the future.
