A former member of the House of Representatives from Ogun State, Kayode Oladele, has urged the Federal Government to make the National Community Food Bank Programme a permanent part of its food security and social protection efforts.
Oladele, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, made the call while commending First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for launching the Southwest Zonal National Community Food Bank Programme in Ogun State.
The programme was launched in Abeokuta on Tuesday as part of efforts to support vulnerable Nigerians and ease the pressure of food insecurity on households. Oladele described the initiative as a sign of compassion and purposeful leadership. He said it showed the First Lady’s understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians. The First Lady inaugurated three community food banks in Sagamu, Yewa North and Abeokuta South as part of the South-West rollout.
Oladele seeks permanent food bank programme
While welcoming the initiative, Oladele urged the Federal Government to build on the programme by giving it a permanent structure. He said the National Community Food Bank should become a recognised part of Nigeria’s food security and social protection system. According to him, such a move would allow the programme to operate across the country and reach more vulnerable families.
“The launch of the Zonal National Community Food Bank programme by our distinguished First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is a highly commendable initiative and another clear demonstration of her compassion and genuine concern for the welfare of Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable members of our society.”
Oladele said the distribution of food items would provide immediate support to many households. He added that it would also complement the social intervention programmes of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He noted that access to food remained one of the most basic needs of every household. For this reason, he said, the initiative deserved long-term support rather than being treated as a temporary intervention.
“My appeal to the Federal Government is to take this laudable vision further by institutionalising the National Community Food Bank and providing it with the appropriate legal, administrative and financial framework to operate permanently across the country,” he said.
Programme could support farmers
Oladele also suggested that the food bank system could help strengthen the link between agriculture and social protection. He proposed that the government buy grains and other essential food items from farmers during periods of abundant harvest.
The government could then store the commodities in strategic locations and release them when they are needed. According to him, the approach would give farmers a reliable market for their produce. It could also reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen Nigeria’s food reserves. Oladele further said the system would help the government respond faster to food shortages and provide support to vulnerable households.
Oladele praises Ogun projects
The former lawmaker also commended Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for projects unveiled during the First Lady’s visit. The First Lady inaugurated the 108-unit Muhammadu Buhari Estate in Kobape, Abeokuta. She also opened the Gateway Medical Centre of Excellence. The 250-bed hospital is expected to provide advanced healthcare services to residents of Ogun State and neighbouring communities.
Oladele described the housing and healthcare projects as important investments in the state’s development. He said the combination of food support, housing and healthcare made the First Lady’s visit particularly significant for Ogun residents.
