Hardship: Gov Eno Takes Free Grains To Vulnerable Households

Akwa Ibom State Government has extended the fourth phase of its ARISE Free Food Distribution Programme (AFFDP) to vulnerable households to cushion the harsh effects of hunger and starvation amid prevailing socio-economic challenges. The grains are provided through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

The food trucks expected to go round the 31 local government areas, had earlier berthed at Etinan, Eket, Easien Udim, Ibesikpo Asutan, Obot Akara, and others before Nsit Ibom local government area at the weekend, where 7,000 bags of food items were distributed to several beneficiaries drawn from poor homes.

The government had explained that the “exercise is aimed at cushioning the effects of the economic hardship and strengthening food security across the State.”
Addressing the beneficiaries at the Nsit Ibom council headquarters, the Commissioner for Humanitarian

Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Ime Akpan, said the intervention was intended to provide temporary relief for the less – privileged families and should not be seen as a substitute for sustainable livelihoods.

She urged beneficiaries to heed Governor Umo Eno’s call to return to farming, stressing that agriculture remains the surest path to food security and economic stability.

“The food the governor has given is not meant for people to depend on every day. It is to support families while they continue to work and cultivate their farms.”

In her welcome address, the chairman of Nsit Ibom local government area, Hon. Otobong Aaron, commended the governor, describing the food distribution initiative as another demonstration of his commitment to the welfare of the people.

“This kind of gesture is uncommon. The governor has consistently shown that the welfare of the people is his priority.

She said the people of Nsit Ibom remained grateful for the intervention and pledged their continued support for the Governor’s ARISE Agenda and vote him back to office come 2027.

“The people of Nsit Ibom appreciate him and will continue to support his administration, voting him back to office come 2027.”

Also, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Ubong Umoh, commended the governor for sustaining the fourth phase of the food distribution programme, describing it as one of the state’s largest social intervention initiatives.

According to him, the programme reflects the governor’s conviction that governance should be centred on the people, noting that the establishment of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs at the inception of the administration underscores its commitment to compassion and social welfare.

“The governor established an independent ministry to take care of deep humanitarian affairs that have social bearings.

“We are not here because hunger has overwhelmed the people. We are here because the governor sees Akwa Ibom people as members of his family and has chosen to share with them.

“This intervention is a sustainable social investment that demonstrates his passion for humanity,” he said.

The general manager of the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, Mr Unyime Etim, said beneficiaries were selected from the State Social Register to ensure the food items reached those most in need.

He explained that the use of vouchers was introduced to guarantee accountability, noting that only beneficiaries with valid vouchers would receive food items.

Etim disclosed that 7,000 bags of food were allocated to Nsit Ibom local government area, adding that separate vouchers were issued to ward beneficiaries and stakeholders to ensure an orderly and transparent distribution.

He further explained that the intervention was implemented through a partnership involving the World Bank, the Federal Government and the Akwa Ibom State Government.

The APC State youth leader, Dr Clement Awakessien, commended Governor Eno for not only sustaining the food distribution programme but also maintaining peace and environmental cleanliness across the state.

He described the initiative as evidence of responsive leadership and reaffirmed the support of youths in Nsit Ibom for the Governor’s administration.

Beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the state government, saying the food items would provide the much-needed relief for their families amid the prevailing economic challenges.