Thousands of vulnerable residents in Ika have received food support from the Akwa Ibom State Government. Governor Umo Eno says the programme aims to ease hardship and protect struggling households across the state.
IKA, AKWA IBOM — Governor Umo Eno has continued the fourth phase of the ARISE Free Food Distribution Programme, with thousands of vulnerable residents in Ika Local Government Area receiving bags of rice and beans. The distribution took place on Wednesday at the Ika Local Government Secretariat, where beneficiaries captured in the State Social Register collected the food items. According to the Akwa Ibom State Government, the intervention forms part of ongoing efforts to cushion the effects of current economic challenges on vulnerable households.
Why This Happened
Representing the governor, Princess Emem Ibanga, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring vulnerable families receive support despite the country’s economic situation.
She disclosed that Ika Local Government received 4,000 bags of rice and 3,000 bags of beans, bringing the total allocation for the council area to 7,000 bags. According to her, the state plans to distribute 217,000 bags of staple food across all 31 local government areas under the current phase of the programme.
The commissioner also said persons with disabilities were included among the beneficiaries and commended Ward Personal Assistants for helping to ensure an orderly and transparent distribution process.
What They Said
The Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, described the exercise as another example of Governor Eno’s people-focused leadership. He said the administration had successfully completed three previous phases of the food distribution programme and urged residents to remain orderly throughout the exercise.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ika Local Government Council, Hon. (Barr.) Utibe Nwoko, thanked Governor Eno for sustaining the intervention. He said the support came at an important time as many families continue to face economic pressure during the rainy season.
The Manager of the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, Hon. Unyime Etim, assured residents that officials would ensure the food reached eligible beneficiaries efficiently.
Who Is Governor Umo Eno?
Pastor Umo Eno is the Governor of Akwa Ibom State. Since assuming office, he has implemented the ARISE Agenda, which focuses on economic development, social welfare, infrastructure, agriculture and support for vulnerable residents.
The ARISE Free Food Distribution Programme is one of the state’s social intervention initiatives aimed at reducing the impact of rising living costs on low-income households.
What This Means for Nigeria
The development means Akwa Ibom State is continuing targeted social welfare programmes to support vulnerable residents amid economic pressure. The latest phase of the ARISE Free Food Distribution Programme is expected to provide temporary relief for thousands of households while reinforcing the state’s social protection efforts.
Beneficiaries, including Mr. Ikobong Akpan, a person with disability, and Mrs. Ukpong Offong, thanked Governor Eno for the intervention, describing it as timely support for families facing rising living costs.
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