GOVERNORS, DANGOTE PLEDGE N66BN TO OLUREMI TINUBU’S FOOD BANK

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

The National Community Food Bank Programme secured pledges exceeding N66 billion on Thursday during its launch and the inauguration of its Board of Trustees at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, announced the commitments in his keynote address at the event hosted by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Leading the private sector contributions, the Aliko Dangote Foundation pledged an in-kind donation of N20 billion over five years, while the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited committed N10 billion within the same period.

The Emeka Offor Foundation also pledged N500 million upfront, alongside a $500,000 donation—approximately N750 million—from anonymous associates of the First Lady.

Pate also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved a N17 billion special intervention through the Social Action Fund to support the programme.

“His Excellency, the President, has approved a special intervention of N17 billion through the Social Action Fund, which will be deployed using a community-based procurement system across wards nationwide to facilitate local purchases,” he said.

The minister further noted that if all 36 state governors contribute the proposed N500 million each, an additional N18 billion would be raised, bringing the total potential funding for the programme to over N66 billion.

“We have appealed to the executive governors of the 36 states to complement the Federal Government’s efforts, especially as the spending will be targeted at wards and local governments,” Pate said.

“If each state contributes N500 million, it will effectively match the Federal Government’s contribution,” he added.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said he would engage fellow governors on providing counterpart funding.

“The NGF is ready to collaborate with the Federal Government. I will consult with my colleagues, and we will present a counterpart contribution that aligns closely with the Federal Government’s commitment,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director and CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, confirmed the organisation’s N20 billion in-kind pledge and urged the organised private sector to support the initiative.

“Aliko Dangote Foundation will provide N20 billion in-kind support over the next five years, focusing on the supply of fortified and nutritious food products,” she said, linking the effort to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Also, Sofia Mbakwe, representing NNPC Limited’s Group Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, announced a commitment of N10 billion over five years.

“This ceremony reflects the purposeful leadership of Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. NNPC Limited is committing an initial sum of N10 billion to be disbursed over a five-year period,” Mbakwe said.

Chidioke James, speaking on behalf of the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, announced an immediate contribution of N500 million.

“Today is not just about launching a fund; it is about igniting hope. No society can truly thrive while hunger persists. We are proud to stand with the First Lady in this initiative,” he said.

Pate stressed that the programme comes at a crucial time in Nigeria’s development under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Central to this vision is a simple but powerful reality: health does not begin in hospitals alone. It starts in our homes and communities, beginning with proper nutrition.

“It is not only a political necessity but a moral obligation to ensure that no Nigerian child goes to bed hungry,” the minister said.

He further noted that malnutrition remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, contributing significantly to under-five mortality and hindering child development.

The National Community Food Bank Programme is designed to establish community-based food banks in every Local Government Area, linked to Primary Health Care centres supported by the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, in partnership with the Bank of Agriculture.

The initiative aims to provide nutritious, locally sourced food through a voucher system to malnourished children under six, pregnant and nursing mothers, orphans and vulnerable children, as well as households facing the highest levels of nutritional and economic risk.

Pate stated that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will drive implementation in collaboration with the Primary Health Care Development Agency, leveraging the country’s extensive network of primary health care facilities.

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, represented by Hamisu Mohammed, pledged full grassroots support and partnership, describing the programme as “a signature legacy project.”

“This initiative comes at a critical time of rising food insecurity and cost of living. Local governments fully recognise the importance of grassroots-driven solutions,” he said.

The event was attended by members of the National Assembly, ministers, traditional rulers—including representatives of the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife—development partners, and civil society organisations.

The National Health Fellows also presented a memento to President Bola Tinubu through the First Lady.

The Community Food Bank Trust Fund will act as the programme’s capital backbone, with the Bank of Agriculture appointed as its Managing Director.