From Isaac Job, Uyo
Akwa Ibom state governor pastor Umo Eno has distributed free food stuffs to 140,00 vulnerable families across 20 local government areas in the state with 7000 families receiving the items in each council area to cushion effects of hardship facing different households in the state
Council areas who have received the government largesse include Abak, Ika, Etim Ekpo, Oron, Udunguko, Mbo, Okobo, Ibesikpo Asutan, Onna, Ukanafun, Urue Offong Oruko, Eastern Obolo, Ikot Abasi and OrukAnam among others.
Food items received in the 4th phase of the Arise Food initiative include garri , beans , rice , maize and other staple foodstuffs.
Delivering Governor Umo Eno’s message of hope at the distribution centre in Mkpat Enin local government area, the General Manager of Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, Hon. Unyime Etim said the free food is a testament to responsive governance.
“Pastor Umo Eno being deeply compassionate and knowledgeable, recognized the need for this initiative, and its impact across the state speaks for itself
“It indicates government’s commitment to rural development and also serves as a direct complement to key infrastructure and agricultural projects already underway across the council area
” The remaining 11 council areas in the state will receive their own as the food distribution is ongoing in the state ”
In his address, the Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Inyang, described the intervention as a significant blessing that has further cemented the trust and support of the people for the administration of pastor Umo Eno in the state
He emphasized that prioritizing grassroots welfare through direct, targeted intervention remains the true mark of a leadership committed to easing the daily economic burdens of its people.
“Governor Umo Eno has the well-being of the women, the children, and the youth of Mkpat Enin at heart.”
The Chief of Staff to the Council Chairman, Elder Michael Ekpe, praised the state government for expanding the food volume to ensure no ward was left behind.
“Distributing 5,000 bags last year was commendable, but scaling it up to 7,000 bags this year is a significant stride that deserves full recognition.”
One of the beneficiaries
Silvanus Sunday said that the foodstuffs will assist parents striving to keep food on the table adding that Governor Umo Eno’s foodstuff intervention comes to the people as a crucial lifeline to reduce hunger and starvation especially among children.
Other beneficiaries lauded pastor Umo Eno for keeping vulnerable households at the center of his policies and prayed for success of the administration .
” We are grateful to God who has brought pastor Umo Eno to us in a time like this when food is no longer affordable by the poor masses in Nigeria”
(The Sun)