The third phase of the ARISE Food Distribution Programme, launched on Wednesday, August 20, at Oron and Urue Offong/Oruko LGAs respectively, has been concluded in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, as the last beneficiary on Wednesday, September 24.
Aimed at cushioning the impact of rising food prices on vulnerable households, the exercise, held at Ikpa Ibekwe, Ikot Abasi Council Secretariat, with a massive turnout of residents from across the 11 Wards of the area.
Leading the team, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Emem Ibanga, who spoke on behalf of Governor Umo Eno, appreciated the people of Ikot Abasi for their unwavering support to the present administration. She noted that Ikot Abasi has benefited from several government programmes, with the food support initiative being one of such interventions.
“We are in Ikot Abasi for the third phase of the free food distribution, and this marks the last local government area we are visiting in this round. Beneficiaries were carefully selected from the Social Register. I encourage everyone to get involved in government programmes so they can also take advantage of initiatives like this,” she explained.
The Commissioner further urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) to participate actively in the democratic process and advised them to revalidate their membership with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). She also cautioned residents to remain vigilant against fraudsters, stressing that no legitimate government programme requires payment from beneficiaries.
Welcoming the delegation, the Chairman of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Hon. Ime Eshiet, assured that the people of the area are peace-loving and would conduct themselves orderly. He further appreciated Governor Eno for the love shown to the LGA and for extending the free food distribution to his people.
Also present to ensure a seamless distribution were, the General Manager, Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, Hon. Unyime Etim; the Secretary of Council, stakeholders, councillors and Ward Personal Assistants to the Governor, among others.
The food distribution train which took off from Oron and Urue Offong/Oruko LGAs, got to Oruk Anam and Ukanafun on Friday, August 22; Itu and Ibiono Ibom on Monday, August 25; Esit Eket and Nsit Ubium on Wednesday, August 27; Ika and Etim Ekpo on Friday, August 29; Etinan and ONNA on Friday, September 1; Mbo and Udung Uko on Wednesday, September 3; Essien Udim and Obot Akara on Friday, September 5; Ibesikpo Asutan and Nsit Ibom on Monday, September 8; Eastern Obolo and Mkpat Enin on Wednesday, September 10; Ikono and INI on Friday, September 12; Uyo and Uruan on Monday, September 15; Okobo and Nsit Atai on Wednesday, September 17; Ikot Ekpene and Abak on Friday, September 19; Eket and Ibeno on Monday, September 22 and Ikot Abasi on Wednesday, September 24.
