The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday inaugurated a newly constructed nursing quarters and two mega primary schools in Maiduguri, executed by Governor Babagana Zulum.
The First Lady also launched the North-East National Community Food Bank Programme, an initiative of her office aimed at addressing hunger and malnutrition across the country.
The newly inaugurated nursing quarters, located near the State Specialist Hospital, comprise eight blocks of six flats each. The facility is fully furnished and equipped with air-conditioning systems to provide improved living conditions for healthcare personnel.
Tinubu also commissioned Aliyakeri and Abbaganaram Mega Primary Schools. Each of the schools has 48 classrooms and is designed to accommodate thousands of pupils.
The facilities are equipped with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres, modern sports amenities, e-learning systems, and solar-powered electricity to ensure uninterrupted learning.
Commending the governor, Tinubu described his leadership as people-oriented, noting that the projects would strengthen healthcare delivery and improve the quality of education in the state.
“You have done very well. I am honoured to be here at the commissioning. What we have seen so far in Borno is quite encouraging,” she said.
The governor’s administration has so far completed 104 mega schools, with additional projects ongoing across the 27 local government areas of the state.
The First Lady also launched a N200 million empowerment programme targeting 2,000 vulnerable women across the state. Each beneficiary is to receive a N100,000 grant and a sewing machine to support their livelihoods.
She praised the initiative, describing it as a reflection of the governor’s commitment to improving the welfare of the people. A breakdown of the beneficiaries shows that 400 women were selected from Maiduguri metropolis, 200 from Jere Local Government Area, 100 from Biu, while the remaining 24 local government areas received 50 beneficiaries each.
In addition, Tinubu presented keys to brand-new utility vehicles to eight outstanding education personnel, including teachers, principals, and technical coordinators, in recognition of their dedication to service.
In a related development, Governor Zulum presented a house to a ministry watchman, Baba Modu Fandi, for his exemplary service. The First Lady further rewarded him with N2 million.
Earlier, Tinubu reiterated that tackling child malnutrition remains a priority of the administration of President Bola Tinubu. She explained that the Community Food Bank Programme was designed to improve access to nutritious food for vulnerable children under the age of six.
According to her, the programme will serve as a bridge between food surplus and communities in need. It is being implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the Bank of Agriculture.
She added that the initiative aims to establish a sustainable food bank system supported by a structured trust fund capable of reaching households nationwide.
The First Lady also urged the wives of North-East governors to support the programme by encouraging their spouses to prioritise its implementation.
