…as residents receive 7000 bags of Rice
Residents from various wards in Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Monday turned out in large numbers to receive free food items distributed by the state government under the fourth phase of the ARISE Food Security Programme, aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship, enhancing household food security, and improving the living conditions of vulnerable residents.
The exercise witnessed the distribution of 7,000 bags of food to beneficiaries drawn from communities across the local government area.
Speaking during the event, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Emem Ibanga, who represented Governor Umo Eno, said the intervention was part of the administration’s commitment to providing relief to citizens and ensuring that the dividends of governance reach the grassroots.
She noted that the ARISE Food Security Programme had continued to impact lives across the state, adding that the governor remained committed to addressing the welfare needs of the people through targeted social intervention programmes.
Ibanga disclosed that over 217,000 bags of food will be distributed across the state since the commencement of the programme, describing the initiative as a reflection of Governor Eno’s compassionate leadership and people-oriented governance.
“The governor has made many great things happen in the state. This food distribution is one of the ways he is supporting families and helping to ease the burden of the current economic situation.”
The commissioner further announced that beneficiaries would receive additional support under the state’s social welfare programme, revealing that government officials would return on July 30 to distribute debit cards preloaded with ₦75,000 each to eligible beneficiaries.
In her welcome address, the Chairman of Esit Eket Local Government Area, Hon. Uduak Ikemesit Ikot, commended Governor Eno for sustaining initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of residents, describing him as a compassionate leader who remains sensitive to the needs and plight of the people.
She said the food distribution demonstrated the governor’s commitment to alleviating hardship and supporting vulnerable households across the state.
According to her, the presence of the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and the General Manager of the state’s food intervention agency, Mr. Unyime Etim, underscored the governor’s determination to ensure that government programmes directly benefit the people at the grassroots.
The chairman pledged the continued support of the people of Esit Eket for Governor Eno’s administration and expressed confidence in the governor’s leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We are happy with what Governor Eno is doing for our people. Esit Eket will continue to support him because his administration has brought visible development and hope to the grassroots.”
Speaking with journalists at the event, a beneficiary, Mmayene Sunday from Ward 6, expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for the food distribution programme, describing it as a timely intervention that would provide relief to many families struggling with the rising cost of living.
Similarly, another beneficiary, Eno Joseph, lauded the governor for what she described as his compassionate and people-centred leadership, adding that the food intervention was evidence of an administration that listens to the needs of its citizens.
She commended the governor for prioritising the welfare of the people through the ARISE Food Security Programme, noting that the initiative had demonstrated his commitment to improving the lives of ordinary citizens across the state.
“We are grateful to Governor Umo Eno for making this food distribution possible. This support has come at the right time and will go a long way in helping many households. The governor has shown that he truly cares about the wellbeing of the people, especially the less privileged,” she said.
She said Governor Eno had continued to distinguish himself through programmes and policies aimed at alleviating hardship, empowering residents and fostering inclusive development across the state.
The distribution exercise in Esit Eket marks the seventh local government area that has benefitted from the fourth phase of the ARISE Food Security Programme since its commencement across the state. Other LGAs have been scheduled for the exercise as the State Government continues the food intervention programme
