Governor Umo Eno has charged Bulk Purchase Agency to prioritise issuance of vouchers to the pregnant women, nursing mothers, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Eno spoke this during the Third Phase of the Arise Food Security Programme during food distribution to vulnerable households in Ibiono Ibom and Itu Local Government Areas on Monday.
Spearheaded by the Akwa Ibom State Government through the Bulk Purchase Agency, the initiative reflects Pastor Umo Eno’s sustained commitment to food relief and social support across the state following the ARISE Food Security Team storming the council headquarters with a truckload of rice and beans for free distribution to vulnerable.
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Governor Umo Eno, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, commended the people of Itu for their gratitude and orderly conduct during the distribution exercise.
The Governor reminded residents that his administration had sustained the programme through its first, second, and now third phases.
Reaffirming his commitment to sustainable solutions, the Governor reiterated that a return to farming remains the surest and most sustainable escape route from hunger, stressing that the ongoing food distribution programme is only a temporary intervention designed to ease the living conditions of citizens.
At the council headquarters in Okoita (Ibiono Ibom) and Itu, the team was warmly received by the Chairmen, Hon. Asuakak Umoh and Hon. Ubong Nkutt, alongside councillors, supervisors, ward aides to the Governor, and members of the Legislative Council.
The Chairmen, in their goodwill messages, lauded the Governor’s compassion and assured that the distribution would be peaceful and transparent.
In Ibiono, House of Assembly Member, Hon. Moses Essien, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Trade and Market Matters, Akparawa Idorenyin Raphael, also joined in welcoming the team.
Also supporting the distribution were Commissioner for Housing, Dr Henry Archibong; Commissioner for Information, Rt Hon. Aniekan Umanah; Chairman, Bulk Agency, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Dan Akpan; General Manager, Bulk Purchase Agency, Rt Hon Unyime Etim and Chairman, Itu Local Government, Hon Ubong Nkutt, among others .
Earlier, Mr. Inyang Asuquo of Mbak Itam, the fact that the food got down to the village level was enough proof that “the Governor cares for the people and understands their needs at this moment.”
Similarly, Mrs. Enobong Udia expressed joy that this was her very first direct benefit from government, stressing that “it will never be forgotten.”
Reported by Edifon Obot/Celestine Maduforo
