Gov Eno’s ARISE Food Initiative Delivers 7,000 Bags to Esit Eket Residents

Gov Eno’s ARISE Food Initiative Delivers 7,000 Bags to Esit Eket Residents

The Akwa Ibom State Government has extended its ARISE Free Food Distribution Programme to Esit Eket Local Government Area, distributing 7,000 bags of rice and beans to vulnerable households as part of Governor Umo Eno’s efforts to cushion economic hardship and strengthen social protection.

The distribution, held on Monday, July 20, at Lutheran Primary School, Uquo, benefited residents from the ten wards of the local government area, underscoring the administration’s commitment to ensuring no community is left behind.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, described the initiative as a reflection of Governor Eno’s compassionate leadership and dedication to improving the welfare of vulnerable citizens through the ARISE Agenda.

She said Esit Eket received 7,000 bags under the current phase of the programme, adding that similar distributions are ongoing across all 31 local government areas. According to her, a total of 217,000 bags of rice and beans will be distributed statewide to complement the government’s social intervention programmes.

Princess Ibanga also announced that officials of the ministry would return to Esit Eket on July 30 to distribute debit cards to beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme. She explained that each card is loaded with ₦75,000 under President Bola Tinubu’s Social Investment Programme to support vulnerable Nigerians.

The General Manager of the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, Rt. Hon. Unyime Etim, urged Ward Personal Assistants, councillors and supervisors to work together to ensure a transparent, peaceful and seamless distribution process.

The Chairman of Esit Eket Local Government Council, Hon. Uduak Ikot, commended the Governor for prioritising the welfare of the people, noting that residents of the area have continued to benefit from impactful State government programmes. She described the food distribution as a timely intervention that has brought hope and relief to many families.

Beneficiaries from the ten wards expressed appreciation to the state government, describing both the food distribution and the forthcoming Conditional Cash Transfer as critical support amid prevailing economic challenges.

The ARISE Free Food Distribution Programme remains one of the flagship humanitarian initiatives of Governor Umo Eno’s administration, aimed at enhancing food security, promoting social inclusion and improving the well-being of vulnerable households across Akwa Ibom State.