URUE OFFONG /ORUKO
A total of 217,000 bags of rice and beans are to be distributed to households in the fourth phase of the ARISE Free Food Distribution Programme across the 31 local government areas of State.
The programme aimed at cushioning the impact of prevailing economic challenges would see 7,000 bags of rice and beans distributed in each of the local government areas.
The intervention, implemented under Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Food Security Programme, through the State Social Register, which provides the framework for identifying eligible beneficiary ,is part of the administration’s broader social support efforts to promote the welfare of vulnerable citizens across the State.
At Orue Offong/ Oruko Local Goeverment Area secretariat where the distribution commenced, 7,000 households drawn from 10 wards of the local government were presented with bags of rice and beans in the exercise aimed at cushioning the impact of prevailing economic challenges.
The Commissioner for Hunanitarian Affairs , Princess Emem Ibanga who led in the distribution said that the exercise reflected the Governor’s commitment to strengthening food security and providing relief to residents in need.
Accompanied by the General Manager of the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, Mr Unyime Etim, the commissioner explained that beneficiaries were selected through the State Social Register to ensure transparency and accountability, adding that the process guarantees that support reaches the intended recipients.
“This is possible because we have a Governor who genuinely cares about the welfare of his people,” she said, while encouraging beneficiaries to continue supporting the administration’s programmes and policies,” she said.
Also monitoring the exercise, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dr. Aniekan Umanah, described the initiative as a demonstration of Governor Umo Eno’s people-centred and compassionate leadership style.
He commended the Governor for increasing the allocation of food items to each local government area from 5,000 to 7,000 bags, noting that the fourth phase of the programme will see a total of 217,000 bags of rice and beans distributed across the 31 local government areas of the state.
The commissioner added that the intervention reinforces the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and providing support for citizens facing economic challenges.
Earlier, the chairman, Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Area Mr Uno Uno, eulogized Governor Eno for sustaining the humanitarian initiative, describing it as a practical demonstration of compassionate leadership and concern for vulnerable citizens.
He assured the Governor of their continued support and loyalty to his administration.
At Okobo Local Government Area , stakeholders who witnessed the orderly distribution exercise, commended the transparency and organisation of the programme, describing it as another demonstration of the administration’s commitment to ensuring that vulnerable citizens benefit from its social intervention initiatives.
The beneficiaries ,Affiong Okon, Arit John Udo, Nkoyo Effiong Uso, Mary John Okon, and Victor Iyanam, all thanked Governor Eno for extending support to vulnerable households through the ARISE Free Food Distribution Programme.
They described the initiative as timely and impactful, pledging their continued support for the administration while praying for God’s guidance and blessings upon the Governor.