The Director of Women Mobilisation, Presidential Campaign Council, Dr. Betta Edu, has described the National Community Food Bank Programme and the new Renewed Hope ICT Centre launched in Calabar as game-changing interventions that will improve nutrition, empower youth and stimulate local economies across Nigeria.

Speaking after the South South Zonal Launch in Cross River State on Friday, Dr. Edu commended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for driving the initiatives, saying they represent the heart of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“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.

Dr. Edu said the Food Bank, which targets pregnant women, lactating mothers, malnourished children and other vulnerable persons, will provide immediate nutritional support while also patronizing local farmers and producers.

“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,” she noted.

She added that with similar launches already done in the North East, North West, North Central and South West, and with the South East set for next week, the programme is on course to cover all six geopolitical zones.

“This model being replicated in every zone will strengthen food security nationwide, reduce malnutrition and create opportunities for farmers and small businesses in every state,” she said.

Dr. Edu also commended Governor Bassey Otu and his wife Bishop Eyoanwan Otu for hosting the South South launch, saying their efforts reflect the kind of state-federal collaboration needed to deliver Renewed Hope to Nigerians.

The former Minister, who described herself as “a woman in technology,” also lauded the commissioning of the TETFund Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre at the University of Cross River State.

She said the facility is part of a broader national push to equip Nigerian youth, especially women, with digital skills for the global economy.

“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 bring them up to speed with what the world is dealing with right now, which is Artificial Intelligence,” Dr. Edu said.

“I am sure that these young people will receive 360-degree digital training that can open doors for them both nationally and internationally.”

Dr. Edu concluded that the combination of social protection through the Food Bank and human capital investment through ICT centres demonstrates the administration’s commitment to leaving no Nigerian behind.

“The combination of social interventions such as the National Community Food Bank and investments in technology and human capital shows that this government is serious about improving the lives of Nigerians and preparing our young people for the future,” she said.

The National Community Food Bank Programme was inaugurated in Abuja on April 2, 2026 and is being implemented by the Office of the First Lady in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, NPHCDA and Bank of Agriculture.