By Akpan Udo-Inyang
CALABAR -The Director of Women Mobilisation, Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Betta Edu has commended the present administration for improving the lives of Nigerians and preparing young people for the future and human capital
Speaking with journalists shortly after the launch of National Community Food Bank and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centres in Calabar, by the the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Edu, said it demonstrates the administration’s commitment to improving the lives of the citizenry.
While commending the First Lady for the launch, Edu described the initiative as one of the most impactful innovations of the Renewed Hope Agenda particularly for vulnerable Nigerians, including pregnant and lactating women, malnourished children and other persons in need of food support.
She said the Community Food Bank would not only provide immediate nutritional assistance to vulnerable families but also stimulate local production and strengthen the economy of Cross River State and the South-South region.
“I am so grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his beautiful wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who came today to launch the National Community Food Bank. I think it is one of the biggest innovations that gets to those who need it the most in Nigeria.
“Lactating mothers, pregnant women, malnourished children and other vulnerable persons can walk into the facility and get food whenever they need it.
“Beyond providing fresh food, the initiative also patronises local producers, meaning that the economy of Cross River State and indeed the entire South-South region will receive a significant boost,” Edu remarked.
She also lauded the Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu, and his wife, Eyoanwan for the effective mobilisation and hospitality extended during the visit of the First Lady, as well as their efforts toward the development of the state.
She was optimistic that the initiative would contribute to improving the wellbeing of vulnerable citizens while creating opportunities for local farmers and producers.
“I want to commend the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Otu, and his dear wife for the wonderful mobilisation today and for the great work they are doing in Cross River State.
“I believe that things will only get better for Nigeria and for Cross River State going forward,” she said.
Edu, who also described herself as a woman in technology, commended the Federal Government, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the commissioning of an ICT centre at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS).
She said the facility would provide young Nigerians, especially women and youth, with the skills and exposure required to compete in an increasingly technology-driven global economy, particularly in the area of Artificial Intelligence.
According to her, the investment represents a strategic intervention in women and youth development and digital capacity building.
“I think that’s a wonderful job by TETFund and the Federal Government of Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“It is a wonderful ICT centre for young people, especially women, to encourage them and bring them up to speed with what the world is dealing with right now, which is Artificial Intelligence.
“I am sure that these young people will receive 360-degree digital training that can open doors for them both nationally and internationally,” she stressed.