First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Launches Community Food Bank To Tackle Malnutrition In North-East

The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the North-East phase of the national community food bank programme, as part of efforts to tackle child malnutrition across the country.

Mrs Tinubu said on Monday in Maiduguri that child malnutrition remained a pressing national concern requiring urgent and coordinated intervention.

She noted that millions of Nigerian children still lacked access to adequate nutrition, adding that the expansion of the programme was aimed at addressing the challenge nationwide.

The first lady acknowledged the support of the federal government, state governors, private-sector partners, and well-meaning Nigerians toward ending malnutrition among Nigerian children.

She said, “Their generosity affirms that we are indeed our brothers’ keepers and gives confidence that this programme will endure and thrive for many years beyond this administration.

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“Globally, community food banks have proven to be effective mechanisms for delivering nutritious food to those who need it most.

“By building strong partnerships among farmers, food producers, corporate organisations and communities, food banks bridge the gap between abundance and need.

“The success of this programme will depend on sustained collaboration. We must work together to build a transparent, accountable and well-structured food bank system that reaches vulnerable households across Nigeria.”

She noted that the programme aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in advancing food security, improved healthcare and national development.

She said the initiative was being implemented in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Bank of Agriculture.

She added that the programme would be extended to other geopolitical zones while calling for stronger partnerships and increased stakeholder support.

“I therefore call on individuals, organisations and institutions across the North-East to support and actively participate in this initiative as we commence zonal rollouts nationwide.

“The choice of Borno State for the North-East launch is strategic. The region has faced security challenges, which have contributed to food insecurity and child malnutrition.

First Lady

“This programme will complement ongoing efforts by state governments to improve access to nutritious food, especially for women and children,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu also commended Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno for empowering 2,000 women, many of whom she said were potential beneficiaries of the programme.

The North-East is one of the major beneficiaries of the initiative, which aims to support about 500,000 households nationwide with nutritious food.

Those who will benefit from the initiative include pregnant women, children under six, and other vulnerable groups.

The National Community Food Bank Trust Fund was inaugurated in Abuja on April 2, alongside its board of trustees.

NPF Arrests Four Banditry Suspects, Recovers AK-47 Rifles, Ammunition

The Nigeria Police Force, through the Force Intelligence Department – Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), has recorded a significant operational success with the arrest of four (4) suspected bandits and the recovery of firearms and ammunition in Kaduna State.

The suspects Abdumumini Abubakar (40), Maikano Gambo (47), Saleh Thompson (47), and Oyonyi Odango (40), were arrested on 7th March 2026 in Tayu, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following credible intelligence.

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Items recovered from the suspects include four (4) AK-47 rifles with magazines, eighty (80) rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, and one (1) locally fabricated pistol with twenty (20) rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are linked to banditry and related violent criminal activities within the region.

Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal network and recover additional weapons.

NPF Arrests Four Banditry Suspects

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, commends the operatives for their professionalism and reiterates the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to combating banditry and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the country.

DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID psc(+) mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
27th April, 2026

Government Heightens COVID-19 Surveillance In Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom government has activated heightened COVID-19 surveillance following confirmation of a new outbreak in a neighbouring state.

The Akwa Ibom government has activated heightened COVID-19 surveillance following confirmation of a new outbreak in a neighbouring state.

Health commissioner Ekem Emmanuel made this known in a statement in Uyo on Monday.

Mr Emmanuel said Governor Umo Eno directed the ministry to activate heightened surveillance across all entry points, health facilities, and communities to forestall any outbreak.

”Disease surveillance officers and rapid response teams have been placed on red alert to promptly detect and manage any suspected cases. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to public health guidelines.

“Citizens are also advised to observe preventive measures, including regular handwashing with soap and water or the use of alcohol-based sanitisers, and wearing face masks in crowded or enclosed spaces.

“Citizens are also advised to avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, refrain from handshakes and physical greetings and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty in breathing occur,” he said.

The commissioner urged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion and adhere strictly to infection prevention and control protocols. He said the ministry would strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and other relevant partners to ensure effective monitoring and coordinated response.

COVID-19

Mr Emmanuel reassured residents that the government was committed to safeguarding public health. The commissioner urged the public to rely solely on verified information from the Ministry of Health and to avoid spreading unverified reports that could cause unnecessary panic.

Mr Emmanuel said an enquiries desk had been set up at the ministry with designated helplines available to assist members of the public.