BETTA EDU APPLAUDS FIRST LADY’S FOOD SUPPORT AND ICT INITIATIVES IN CROSS RIVER

Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, has praised First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for launching the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South-South region in Calabar, Cross River State. Edu described the initiative as an important intervention for vulnerable Nigerians, particularly pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, malnourished children and other families facing food insecurity. The programme is designed to provide nutritional support to people who need it while strengthening social welfare interventions across the region.

Speaking after the launch, Edu said the food bank could have benefits beyond providing immediate relief to vulnerable households. She explained that sourcing food from local farmers and producers would create additional demand for agricultural products and help stimulate economic activity within Cross River and the wider South-South region. She commended the Federal Government and the First Lady for introducing what she described as a practical intervention capable of reaching people at the grassroots.

Edu also praised Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, and his wife, Eyoanwan Otu, for their support and hospitality during the First Lady’s visit to the state. The launch in Calabar formed part of a wider visit during which the First Lady inaugurated several projects and interventions. The food bank programme is expected to expand support for vulnerable households while complementing government efforts to tackle malnutrition and improve food security.

The former minister further commended the First Lady, the Federal Government and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for the commissioning of an Information and Communication Technology centre at the University of Cross River State. The facility, delivered through the Renewed Hope Initiative in partnership with TETFund, is designed to provide young Nigerians with greater access to digital resources, training and technology. The centre includes facilities intended to support innovation and skills development among students and young people.

Edu expressed optimism that the ICT facility would help equip young people, particularly women and youths, with skills needed to compete in an increasingly technology-driven global economy. She specifically highlighted emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, saying the centre could create opportunities for beneficiaries to develop skills that would be useful both within Nigeria and internationally. She said the combination of food support, digital education and human-capital development demonstrated the importance of addressing immediate welfare needs while preparing young Nigerians for future opportunities.