In order to end child malnutrition in the country, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has officially launched the North-East zone of the National Community Food Bank Programme (NCFBP) for vulnerable malnourished mothers, pregnant women and children between the ages of zero to six years.

Speaking at the inauguration yesterday in Maiduguri, Mrs Tinubu said child malnutrition remained a pressing national priority that required urgent attention, therefore, the programme was to put food on the tables of these vulnerable groups in the country.

In a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs. Tinubu stated that millions of Nigerian children lacked access to adequate nutrition, noting that it was one of the reasons the federal government was expanding the National Community Food Bank Programme across the nation to supply food to those who need it most.

She acknowledged the support of the Federal Government, State Governors, private sector partners, and Nigerians in general to end manutrition in Nigeria children.

She added: “Their generosity 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.

“Globally, community food banks have proven to be effective mechanisms for delivering nutritious food to those who need it most. “By building strong partnerships among farmers, food producers, corporate organisations, and communities, food banks bridge the gap between abundance and need.

“The success of this programme will depend on sustained collaboration. We must work together to build a transparent, accountable, and well-structured food bank system that reaches vulnerable households across Nigeria.”

According to the First Lady, the initiative aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, particularly in advancing food security, improved healthcare and building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria. She called for more partnerships for the programme.

“I therefore call on individuals, organisations, and institutions across the North-East to support and actively participate in this initiative as we commence zonal rollouts nationwide She said: “The choice of Borno State for the North-East launch is strategic. The region has faced security challenges, which have contributed to food insecurity and child malnutrition.