Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, has said the establishment of a regional food bank and an Information and Communication Technology centre in Cross River State will help tackle food insecurity while expanding economic and digital opportunities for young Nigerians.

Mrs Edu said the two interventions, launched or established in the state, could have far-reaching effects on vulnerable households, farmers, food producers, students and young entrepreneurs across the South-South region.

She spoke with journalists in Calabar on Saturday while reacting to recent interventions by the Federal Government and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable citizens and empowering young people.

According to her, the National Community Food Bank for the South-South, launched in Calabar by the First Lady, represents an important shift towards interventions that directly address the nutritional needs of disadvantaged Nigerians.

She said the facility would particularly benefit pregnant and lactating women, malnourished children and other vulnerable persons who face difficulties accessing nutritious food.

“I think it is one of the biggest innovations that gets to those who need it the most in Nigeria,” Edu said.

Beyond providing food assistance, the former minister said the initiative could stimulate economic activity by creating a ready market for farmers and food producers in Cross River and other South-South states.

She said the participation of farmers, suppliers, food processors and other businesses in the programme could help strengthen local value chains while improving access to fresh food for vulnerable communities.

Edu expressed optimism that the food bank would therefore serve both a social protection and economic purpose by addressing immediate nutritional needs while supporting agricultural production and local businesses.

She also commended Governor Bassey Otu and his wife, Eyoanwan Otu, for their mobilisation efforts and commitment to improving the welfare of residents.

On youth empowerment, Edu highlighted the establishment of an ICT centre at the University of Cross River by the Federal Government in partnership with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

She described the facility as a strategic investment in the future of young Nigerians, particularly women, at a time when digital skills are increasingly determining access to employment and global economic opportunities.

According to her, the centre would expose students to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, while providing practical digital training that could enable them to compete for opportunities beyond Nigeria.

“I am sure these young people will receive 360-degree digital training that can open doors for them both nationally and internationally,” she said.

Edu said the combination of targeted food interventions and investment in digital skills demonstrated the importance of addressing both immediate welfare needs and the long-term economic prospects of young Nigerians.

She said initiatives that simultaneously strengthen food security, support local production and equip young people with technology skills could contribute significantly to reducing vulnerability and expanding economic opportunities in Cross River and the wider South-South region.

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