News Investigators/ Betta Edu, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has commended President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for launching interventions aimed at improving the wellbeing of vulnerable persons and empowering young Nigerians in Cross River.
Mrs Edu, who is now the Director of Women Mobilisation, Presidential Campaign Council, gave the commendation while speaking with journalists in Calabar on Saturday.
She described the National Community Food Bank for the South-South, launched in Calabar by the First Lady, as one of the most impactful innovations of the Tinubu administration.
According to her, the initiative will help address the immediate nutritional needs of vulnerable Nigerians, particularly pregnant and lactating women, malnourished children and other disadvantaged persons across the region.
Mrs Edu said the food bank would provide fresh food to vulnerable citizens while contributing to efforts to reduce malnutrition and improve the general wellbeing of beneficiaries.
She added that the initiative had the potential to stimulate local economic activities by patronising farmers, food producers, suppliers and other businesses in Cross River and the wider South-South region.
“I think it is one of the biggest innovations that gets to those who need it the most in Nigeria,” Edu said, stressing the importance of interventions that directly impact vulnerable communities.
The former minister also commended Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu and his wife, Mrs Eyoanwan Otu, for their mobilisation efforts and commitment to the development and wellbeing of residents of the state.
She expressed optimism that the food bank would not only improve food security but also create economic opportunities for farmers, food producers and other local entrepreneurs.
Mrs Edu further commended the Federal Government and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for establishing an Information and Communication Technology centre at the University of Cross River.
She described the ICT facility as a timely investment in the future of young Nigerians, particularly women, saying it would equip them with relevant skills to compete in the technology-driven global economy.
According to her, the centre will expose students to emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, while providing practical training capable of opening national and international opportunities.
“I am sure these young people will receive 360-degree digital training that can open doors for them both nationally and internationally,” she said.
Mrs Edu said the combination of food security interventions and investments in technology demonstrated the government’s commitment to improving citizens’ welfare, reducing vulnerability and preparing young Nigerians for emerging opportunities.
NAN