In a significant move to address food insecurity, the Tender Hearts Foundation has inaugurated a new food bank in Lagos, established in partnership with First City Monument Bank (FCMB). The initiative, launched on 20 December 2025, is specifically designed to provide crucial support to vulnerable women and their families facing economic hardship.
A Commitment Beyond Seasonal Giving
The launch event saw the attendance of community leaders, programme beneficiaries, volunteers, and representatives from FCMB. Addressing the gathering, the founder of Tender Hearts Foundation, Dr. Sally Otihiwa, framed the food bank as a core part of the organisation's mission, not merely a seasonal charity drive.
She described it as a powerful demonstration of partnership and a shared dedication to ensuring no family suffers from hunger. Dr. Otihiwa emphasised that the foundation was built on principles of love, dignity, and hope, which it advances through programmes targeting widows, the less privileged, and vulnerable youth.
She further explained that the food bank complements existing foundation projects, such as the Free Circle programme—a business grant scheme sponsored by FCMB. Recognising the severe economic challenges many households endure, the foundation is taking deliberate action to offer relief and help restore dignity within communities.
FCMB's Belief in Women as Change Agents
Representatives from FCMB commended the foundation for its consistent and impactful work, particularly its focus on women's empowerment. Speaking on behalf of the bank, Mr. Omobiyi Iyanda stated that the collaboration with Tender Hearts is rooted in shared values and a commitment to sustainable community development.
"From the moment the vision was shared with us, it was clear that this was an initiative worth supporting," Iyanda remarked. He likened the growth of their partnership to a child maturing through different stages, evolving from small support programmes to more expansive initiatives like the food bank.
Iyanda stressed that FCMB's involvement is guided by a firm conviction in women as powerful agents of change. He highlighted that the bank's Managing Director, Yemisi Edun, herself a woman, actively champions projects that empower women at all societal levels.
"Women are multipliers. When you commit resources into their hands, you see growth," Iyanda asserted. To back this belief, FCMB offers tailored financial products for women, including microfinance loans ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦500,000. These loans are designed to bolster women-led grassroots businesses and facilitate their expansion.
Building a Sustainable Support Network
The launch of the food bank marks a strategic step in creating a more resilient support system for Lagos's most vulnerable populations. By combining immediate nutritional aid with longer-term economic empowerment programmes like business grants and loans, the partnership between Tender Hearts Foundation and FCMB addresses both urgent needs and the root causes of poverty.
This integrated approach ensures that beneficiaries receive not just a meal for today, but also the tools and opportunities to build a more secure and dignified future for themselves and their families. The initiative stands as a model for how corporate-social sector partnerships can create tangible, lasting impact in local communities.
