…as Ikot-Ekpene Council Chairman flags- off Arise Food Security Programme
The ARISE FOOD SECURITY PROGRAMME, an initiative of the Akwa Ibom State government targeted at ensuring the availability of staple food to the vulnerable in the society, has been flagged-off in Ikot-Ekpene.
Performing the flag-off ceremony, Tuesday 2nd April, 2024 at Ikot-Ekpene Main Market, The Transition Committee Chairman of the Local Government Area, Sir. John Cleton Etim, who distributed free food voucher to beneficiaries in the first phase of the scheme, explained that the initiative was in demonstration of Governor Umo Eno’s commitment towards ensuring food security in the State.
He commended the Governor for paying topmost priority to grassroot development, saying the launch of the ARISE food security programme is a step in the right direction.
Sir. John further explained that the selection process was based on the data provided by the social register, and announced that government would set up a monitoring team to ensure compliance and smooth running of the programme in the local government area.
“We can have a testimony that ever since Pastor Umo Eno assumed power he has left no stone unturned in ensuring that he reaches out to the grassroot. He believes so much in grassroot development”.
“The Social register has always been there. Pastor Umo Eno’s government has made it possible for us to know and see that for once government can be sincere. For today we are giving out 300 vouchers in Ikot-Ekpene. We will set up a monitoring team to ensure the process runs smoothly”.
Others who spoke during the event including, the Political Leader of Ikot-Ekpene, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, General Manager, Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, Mr. Unyime Etim, House of Assembly Member for Ikot-Ekpene/Obot-Akara, Mr. Jerry Otu, Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning, Mr. Aniefiok Nkom, Chairman, Ikot-Ekpene Mainmarket committee, Elder Innocent Akpan praised Governor Umo Eno for the initiative, and echoed their support towards the success of the program in Ikot-Ekpene.
Speaking onbehalf of the beneficiaries, Madam Cecilia Mendie who could not hide her feelings, poured encomiums on the Governor for putting in place laudable programmes aimed at providing succour to the vulnerable in the society, and pledged their unflinchig support to the government.
High point of the exercise was the presentation of food vouchers by the Chairman to the beneficiaries who then proceeded in company of the Chairman to the redemption centres in the market to take delivery of their staple food Items.
The event had in attendance Ntufam Elijah Udoiyak-HSA Labour Relations,Ward Leaders among other political chieftains.
