The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has announced plans to establish community food banks across Nigeria as part of efforts to combat child malnutrition and improve access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations.
Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, disclosed the plan during the distribution of food items to persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in Taraba State.
The items were presented to the Wife of the Taraba State Governor and state coordinator of the programme, Mrs. Agyin Agbu Kefas, for onward distribution to beneficiaries across the state.
Shettima explained that the initiative, which began in 2024, has continued to provide food support to vulnerable households across the country.
With the latest outreach in Taraba, she said the programme has now reached 24 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to her, the intervention has been sustained through the support of development partners, particularly the Abdulsamad Rabiu Africa Initiative and another donor who preferred to remain anonymous.
She said the donors had committed to supplying two truckloads of food items monthly to support the activities of the Renewed Hope Initiative nationwide.
Shettima noted that the initiative complements the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.
As part of efforts to deepen the intervention, she revealed that the National Community Food Bank Project would soon be launched in Borno State in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Bank of Agriculture.
She said the project would focus on tackling child malnutrition, expanding access to nutritious food and strengthening community-based support systems to ensure children grow in healthy conditions.
Shettima also commended the Wife of the Taraba State Governor, Mrs. Agyin Agbu Kefas, for her commitment to the successful implementation of the initiative’s programmes in the state.
Responding, Governor Agbu Kefas expressed appreciation to the Renewed Hope Initiative for extending the intervention to Taraba, describing the programme as a timely response to the challenges faced by vulnerable families.
He said the initiative reflects compassion in leadership and demonstrates the importance of collaboration among government and development partners in addressing social challenges.
Kefas added that the food distribution programme would provide relief to many households and further strengthen cooperation between federal and state authorities in delivering social support programmes.
In her remarks, Mrs. Agyin Agbu Kefas said the intervention would help cushion the impact of economic hardship on vulnerable residents of the state.
She assured the national leadership of the Renewed Hope Initiative of Taraba State’s continued support and partnership in advancing programmes aimed at improving the welfare of women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
