From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Director of Women Mobilisation of the Presidential Campaign Council, Dr Betta Edu, has commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the successful launch of the National Community Food Bank for the South-South region in Calabar, Cross River State.
Dr 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 people 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 wider South-South region.
“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,” she said.
She added that pregnant women, lactating mothers, malnourished children and other vulnerable persons would be able to access food support through the facility when needed.
“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 said.
She also commended the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, and his wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for their effective mobilisation and hospitality during the First Lady’s visit, as well as their efforts towards the development of the state.
“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,” Edu said.
“I believe that things will only get better for Nigeria and for Cross River State going forward,” she added.
Dr Edu, who described herself as a woman in technology, also commended the Federal Government, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the commissioning of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS).
She said the facility would provide young Nigerians, particularly women and youths, with the skills and exposure needed to compete in an increasingly technology-driven global economy, especially in the area of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
According to her, the investment represents a strategic intervention in women and youth development, as well as digital capacity building.
“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,” she said.
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.