A former member of the House of Representatives from Ogun State, Kayode Oladele, has called on the Federal Government to institutionalise the National Community Food Bank Programme as part of Nigeria’s long-term food security and social protection strategy.
Oladele made the call while commending the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for launching the South-West Zonal National Community Food Bank Programme in Ogun State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the All Progressives Congress chieftain described the initiative as a demonstration of compassion and commitment to supporting vulnerable Nigerians.
The programme was launched in Abeokuta on Tuesday as part of the South-West rollout, with three food banks inaugurated in Sagamu, Yewa North and Abeokuta South.
Oladele said the initiative would provide immediate support to vulnerable and indigent residents while complementing the social intervention programmes of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He urged the Federal Government to establish a legal, administrative and financial framework that would make the National Community Food Bank a permanent programme across Nigeria.
According to him, an institutionalised food bank system could strengthen the relationship between Nigeria’s agricultural sector and its social protection programmes.
Oladele explained that the government could purchase grains and other essential commodities from farmers and agricultural cooperatives during periods of abundant harvest, preserve them in strategic storage facilities and distribute them when shortages occur.
He said such a structure could provide farmers with a reliable market, reduce post-harvest losses, improve strategic food reserves and help the government respond more effectively to food shortages and the needs of vulnerable households.
The First Lady also inaugurated the 108-unit Muhammadu Buhari Estate in Kobape, Abeokuta, as well as the Gateway Medical Centre of Excellence, a 250-bed ultra-modern hospital expected to provide advanced healthcare services to residents of Ogun State and neighbouring communities.
Oladele commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for the housing and healthcare projects, describing them as important investments in the development of the state.
He added that the combination of food support, housing and healthcare interventions made the First Lady’s visit to Ogun State particularly significant.
