By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
Director of Women Mobilisation for the Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Betta Edu, has insisted that the newly launched National Community Food Bank and ICT Centre in Calabar,the Cross River State capital, will serve as a major economic boost for Cross River State and the entire South-South region.
Edu made this assertion while speaking after the commissioning of the bank/centre by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Okuremi Tinubu, stressing that the projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dministration were designed to do more than provide welfare.
The former Cross River State Commissioner for Health said, “These initiatives position Cross River as a key beneficiary of federal investments aimed at reducing poverty while building local capacity.”
Edu averred that the economic model behind both projects focuses directly on jobs, agriculture, and skills.
She said, “They were designed to create job opportunities, support farmers and equip youth with future-ready skills.”
She described the food bank as one of the biggest innovations targeted at vulnerable citizens, stressing, “I am so grateful to President Tinubu and his dear wife, Senator 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.”
Explaining further, she noted, “Lactating mothers, pregnant women, malnourished children and other vulnerable persons can walk into the facility and get food whenever they need it.”
On the economic value, Edu added, “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 also linked the ICT Centre at the University of Cross River State, UNICROSS, to long-term economic gains.
Delivered by the Federal Government, TETFund, and the Office of the First Lady, the hub is expected to drive the state’s digital economy.
She reiterated, “I think that’s a wonderful job by TETFund and the Federal Government of Nigeria under President 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.”
Commending the state government, Edu said, “I want to commend the governor of Cross River State 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 concluded that pairing food security with digital skills is the fastest way to build economic resilience.
She added, “The food bank will strengthen agriculture and local markets, while the ICT centre will prepare women and youth to tap into global tech opportunities. Together, they will raise incomes and productivity across Cross River.
“I am grateful to the wife of the President, Senator Tinubu, for coming in to commission the facility. I believe that the University of Cross River State, women and other students will be better for it.”
