A/Ibom Tackles Food Crisis With Free Grains For Vulnerable Households

Arising from the excruciating pains occasioned by the prevailing food inflation taking its on the citizenry, the Akwa Ibom State Government has waded -in, vowing to assuage hunger and malnutrition plaguing the vulnerable citizens across the 31 local government areas.

Consequently, the Governor Umo Eno – led administration has opened the reserves, vowing to stem the impending humanitarian crises with sustainable food handouts.

And through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Bulk Purchase Agency, the administration has extended its free food distribution programme to Ukanafun LGA, where 7,000 bags of rice and beans were distributed to the rural poor beneficiaries.

LEADERSHIP Weekend learnt the state government has earmaked 217,000 bags of grains including rice and beans, for onward distribution to the poor households.

The exercise, held at the Ukanafun Council Headquarters, Ikot Akpankuk, according to official of the agency, “is part of the state government’s commitment to easing the burden of rising food costs and ensuring that vulnerable households have access to basic food items.”

Representing the governor, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, commended the administration for the initiative, recalling that “the governor has consistently ensured that the people of Ukanafun benefit from his administration.”

According to her, more than 2,000 people in Ukanafun benefited from the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme last week, describing it as another demonstration of the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of the people.

She explained that the free food distribution programme, now in its fourth phase, is a temporary intervention and urged residents to return to farming to promote food security and sustainability.

She assured residents that the government would continue to roll out intervention programmes to support the people and encouraged beneficiaries to remain supportive of the administration.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Ukanafun Council, Hon. Uyio Ukpanah, commended Governor Umo Eno for keeping his promise to support vulnerable citizens despite the current economic challenges. He described the Governor as a leader who understands the needs of the people and consistently puts their welfare first.

The Council Chairman encouraged beneficiaries to continue supporting government programmes and assured residents that the local government would continue to partner with the State Government in implementing people-centred initiatives.

The General Manager of the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, Rt. Hon. Unyime Etim, thanked the councillors and Ward Personal Assistants for ensuring a smooth and orderly distribution exercise.

Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Humanitarian Affairs, Elder Umo Ekpo, said Governor Umo Eno remains committed to ensuring that the welfare of vulnerable citizens remains a top priority of his administration.

He noted that the programme has continued to bring relief to thousands of families across the state.

Beneficiaries drawn from all the wards in the local government, including widows, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, expressed appreciation to the State Government for the gesture. For Nkoyo Udosen, Rebecca Bennett, and Mrs. Eseme Enang, the food items would go a long way in supporting their families during these difficult times. They described the programme as timely while praying for God’s continued strength, wisdom, and blessings upon Governor Umo Eno.