“Together, We Will Build Healthier And Stronger Generations Of Nigerian Children”

“Together, we will build healthier and stronger generations of Nigerian children” First Lady Oluremi Tinubu urges collective action against child malnutrition Abuja Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on religious leaders, traditional chiefs, healthcare stakeholders, partners and citizens to unite in building healthier and stronger generations of Nigerian children through sustained action against malnutrition and improved child health services. Her remarks came as she flagged off the National Advocacy and Awareness Campaign for the National Community Food Bank Programme in Abuja a high-profile move under the Renewed Hope Agenda that prioritises human capital development and child well-being. Speaking at the 1st National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, the First Lady emphasised that health is fundamental to Nigeria’s progress, with children’s nutrition and access to wholesome food at the centre of the nation’s development goals. She thanked health volunteers and National Health Fellows for their role in strengthening community health delivery and urged concerted effort to ensure no child is left behind. “While learning and building your skills, together we will build healthier and stronger generations of Nigerian children.”
Her remarks underlined a shared national responsibility to address child malnutrition and enhance overall youth well-being.
The National Community Food Bank Programme is a government-backed initiative designed to combat child malnutrition nationwide by strengthening nutrition support at the grassroots level. It will operate through a network of Primary Health Centres, where eligible families with children under six will be identified and registered. Caregivers will receive counselling and food vouchers redeemable for nutritious, locally produced foods at specially established food banks near health facilities.
Mrs. Tinubu said the programme will be officially launched in April 2026 in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the Bank of Industry, the Bank of Agriculture and willing private sector partners. Funding will be channelled through a Trust Fund overseen by credible Nigerians to ensure transparency and accountability. The First Lady appealed to traditional and religious leaders to use their influence to encourage households to participate in the programme and promote good nutrition practices, saying their leadership is essential to the initiative’s success at the grassroots. She emphasised that collective action by communities will be vital to improving child health outcomes across the country. The launch of this campaign coincided with efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s health delivery systems under the Renewed Hope Agenda an overarching national development blueprint championed by President Bola Tinubu. The agenda places health and human capital development at the centre of national policy, seeking to ensure that Nigerian children grow up healthier, better nourished and equipped to contribute meaningfully to the country’s future. This child-focused programme complements other recent health initiatives including the largest integrated vaccination campaign targeting over 100 million Nigerian children against multiple diseases emphasising prevention, resilience and care for young citizens nationwide.
Improved access to nutritious foods: Vulnerable children will receive support through community food banks.
Stronger community health systems: The programme engages health volunteers and primary care networks.
Joined efforts by leaders and families: Traditional and religious leaders are encouraged to champion awareness and participation.
Enhanced child well-being: The initiative is expected to reduce rates of child malnutrition and strengthen dietary support across states. Mrs. Tinubu’s remarks underscored the belief that Nigeria’s children represent its future prosperity and resilience, and that joint action today will yield healthier generations tomorrow a cornerstone principle of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s human capital focus.