Idara Jerome, Uyo
Beneficiaries of the Akwa Ibom State Government’s free food distribution programme on Monday appealed for the sustenance of the initiative after over 7,000 vulnerable households in Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Area received bags of rice and beans, describing the intervention as a lifeline amid prevailing economic hardship.
The beneficiaries, drawn from the 10 political wards of the local government through the State Social Register, said the food support would significantly ease the burden on their families and urged the government to continue expanding the programme to reach more vulnerable residents across the state.
The distribution, held at the Urue Offong/Oruko Council Secretariat, marked the commencement of the fourth phase of the state’s free food distribution programme, which targets the distribution of 217,000 bags of rice and beans across the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Affiong Okon, Arit John Udo, Nkoyo Effiong Uso, Mary John Okon and Victor Okon Iyanam, expressed gratitude to the state government for the intervention, saying it came at a time many households were struggling with the rising cost of living.
Leading the distribution, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Emem Ibanga, said the programme reflected Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to supporting vulnerable residents through targeted social intervention initiatives.
She explained that beneficiaries were selected through the State Social Register to ensure fairness, transparency and accountability in the distribution process.
According to her, “Beneficiaries were selected through the State Social Register to ensure transparency and accountability, so that support gets to those it is intended for.”
The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, disclosed that the current phase of the programme would see 217,000 bags of rice and beans distributed across the state’s 31 local government areas.
He said the allocation to each local government had been increased from 5,000 to 7,000 bags to enable more vulnerable households benefit from the intervention.
Also present at the exercise was the General Manager of the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, Hon. Unyime Etim, who monitored the distribution alongside other government officials.
Chairman of Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Uno Etim Uno, described the exercise as a timely intervention and commended the state government for sustaining the programme despite prevailing economic challenges.
Stakeholders from neighbouring Okobo Local Government Area, who observed the exercise, also lauded the orderly conduct of the distribution and the transparent process adopted in identifying beneficiaries.
The fourth phase of the free food distribution programme is expected to continue in other local government areas as the Akwa Ibom State Government expands the intervention to provide relief for vulnerable households across the state.