First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has launched a fresh push against child hunger, expanding the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) National Food Bank Programme to improve nutrition for vulnerable children, pregnant women and nursing mothers across the country.
Speaking at the second-quarter meeting with wives of state governors at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, the First Lady said no Nigerian child should be allowed to suffer from hunger or malnutrition.
“Our children are not supposed to be going hungry,” she said.
“No matter what, when you see a child that is malnourished in your state, you have to take them and make sure that they are properly cared for.”
Tinubu said the programme, inaugurated in Abuja in February 2026 and already rolled out in parts of the country, would continue expanding across the six geopolitical zones to reach more vulnerable families.
She explained that the food banks are being located beside Primary Health Care Centres to enable families access nutrition support alongside healthcare services.
“These food banks are built next to the primary health care centres so that those who need supplements can get them. Lactating mothers and pregnant women will also receive food items from the food bank,” she said.
The First Lady said the initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Bank of Agriculture, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Dangote Foundation and the National Population Commission.
“What we have done so far is to come up with a strategy which, for me, is a very good example. It is now left for the First Ladies to ensure that their states have more food banks because our children are not supposed to be going hungry,” she said.
She urged governors’ wives to take ownership of the programme by identifying malnourished children early and ensuring they receive the care they need.
“I want every one of you to continually look out for these vulnerable children in your states. They deserve our care, our attention and our support,” she said.
Tinubu also appealed to individuals, corporate organisations and development partners to support the National Food Bank Drive, saying wider collaboration was essential to ending child hunger.
“We cannot do it alone. We need more support, more partnerships and more people to key into this initiative so that together we can eliminate hunger among our children,” she said.
She said the Renewed Hope Initiative would continue implementing programmes on education, scholarships, economic empowerment, environmental sustainability and children’s literacy, describing them as investments in Nigeria’s future.
“What we are doing in this administration is to make sure that even generations unborn would benefit,” she said.
“These programmes are not just for today. They are designed to create lasting impact and improve the quality of life of Nigerians for many years to come.”
The First Lady also urged Nigerians to support the reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying they are laying the foundation for sustainable national development.
“We must adjust to the changing realities of our economy and the way we do business. The reforms are aimed at building lasting legacies that will benefit generations yet unborn,” she said.