Residents of Imo State are expected to benefit from expanded food security and empowerment interventions as the MATAN Food Bank Foundation intensifies efforts to strengthen its presence across communities in the state.
The assurance was given by the Imo State Chairman of the MATAN Food Bank Foundation, Hon. Chris Odika, during a visit to members of the organisation in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area following a statewide tour aimed at assessing and strengthening the foundation’s structures.
Odika said the foundation remained committed to addressing hunger and improving food security through a combination of technology-driven solutions and community-based programmes. He urged members across the state to remain focused on the organisation’s objectives and continue supporting efforts to deliver its initiatives to grassroots communities.
According to him, MATAN Food Bank Foundation operates as a non-profit organisation dedicated to reducing hunger and improving access to food, particularly for vulnerable populations. He identified the Automated MATAN Food Security Initiative and the MATAN Community Compound Foods and Nutrition Resolution Initiative as some of the foundation’s flagship programmes.
Odika explained that the Automated MATAN Food Security Initiative was launched during a national event in Lagos involving farmers and stakeholders from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The initiative, he said, was designed to support the rebuilding of Nigeria’s food system from the grassroots through modern approaches to food production, monitoring and distribution.
“The initiative targets over 40 million Nigerians through direct food access programmes, elimination of chaotic food distribution queues, and identification of vulnerable groups, including children, workers and low-income households, for intervention,” he said.
He noted that ensuring food reaches those who need it most remains a key objective of the programme and stressed that communities would continue to play a central role in the implementation of MATAN’s activities nationwide.
The state chairman also acknowledged the contributions of the National President of MATAN, Ambassador Dr. Olakunle Moses Johnson, describing his leadership as instrumental in driving the organisation’s food security agenda across the country.
Odika referenced the national president’s position that many socio-economic challenges confronting Nigeria could be significantly reduced through improved access to food. He noted that hunger continues to contribute to insecurity, reduced productivity and other social challenges affecting communities.
“Communities remain the focal point of MATAN’s operations to ensure even development across the country,” he stated.
The chairman further commended Ambassador Dr. Felix Johnson Osakwe, Chief of Staff to the Vice-President, South-east Zone, Board of Trustees and National Secretary of MATAN Groups, for supporting the growth and operations of the foundation in Imo State and across the South-East.
During the visit, Odika thanked members of the Ohaji/Egbema chapter for their commitment and support, assuring them that the state leadership would continue to work towards strengthening the organisation and expanding its impact.
He, however, cautioned members against actions that could undermine the foundation’s reputation, stressing that MATAN should remain focused on its humanitarian and food security objectives.
Also speaking, the Deputy Chairman of the MATAN Food Bank Foundation in Imo State, Deacon Tony Chukwu, explained that MATAN stands for “Motivating Action Towards Achieving Nutrition.”
Chukwu said the statewide tour was organised to reinforce the foundation’s operational structures, particularly in rural communities where many beneficiaries of its programmes reside.
“As agents of MATAN, you must ensure that every initiative of the foundation reaches people in the hinterlands. There should be no diversion of materials or opportunities meant for the people,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of accountability and transparency in the implementation of the organisation’s programmes, adding that the success of MATAN’s interventions depends on effective delivery at the community level.
The state executives also paid a courtesy visit to the Eze-Elect of Umunwaku Autonomous Community, Chief Basil Ugochukwu, who expressed readiness to collaborate with the foundation.
The traditional ruler-elect pledged support for MATAN’s activities and said he looked forward to partnerships that would enable his community to benefit from hunger reduction and poverty alleviation programmes.
Earlier, the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area Coordinator of the MATAN Food Bank Foundation, Hon. Jude Elechi, commended the state leadership for its efforts in expanding the organisation’s reach across Imo State.
Elechi said the visit had strengthened members’ confidence in the foundation’s vision and reassured the state executives of the local chapter’s commitment to supporting the implementation of MATAN’s programmes.
With the organisation expanding its structures and promoting technology-backed food security initiatives, MATAN says it is positioning itself to improve access to food, strengthen community participation and support vulnerable households across Imo State.