By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, has described the National Community Food Bank as one of the most impactful initiatives of the Renewed Hope Administration, particularly in supporting vulnerable Nigerians.
Edu, who is the Director of Women Mobilisation of the Presidential Campaign Council, spoke shortly after the launch of the National Community Food Bank for the South-South region in Calabar, Cross River State.
She said the initiative, launched by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, would provide nutritional support to vulnerable families, including pregnant and lactating women, malnourished children and other persons in need of food assistance.
“I think it is one of the biggest innovations that gets to those who need it the most in Nigeria,” Edu said.
According to her, beneficiaries would be able to access food from the facility while the programme would simultaneously create a market for local farmers and producers.
“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,” she said.
Edu commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu and his wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for the mobilisation and hospitality provided during the First Lady’s visit to the state.
She expressed optimism that the food bank would improve the wellbeing of vulnerable citizens while opening up opportunities for farmers and other local producers.
Edu also welcomed the commissioning of an Information and Communication Technology centre at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), describing it as an important investment in youth, women and digital skills development.
She commended the Federal Government, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the First Lady for the facility, particularly at a time when artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are reshaping the global economy.
“As a woman in technology, 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,” she said.
Edu said the combination of social interventions such as the Community Food Bank and investments in technology and human capital could help address immediate welfare needs while preparing young Nigerians for future opportunities.
She added that the interventions would particularly benefit women and young people by giving them greater access to food support, digital skills and economic opportunities.
