…as food truck moves to INI LGA, Tuesday 24th September
By Mfonobong Ukpong
As the ongoing free food distribution enters day 4, no fewer than 5000(five thousand) vulnerable persons drawn from the Sixty-Six villages and eleven wards in Okobo Local Government Area today, Friday 20th September, 2024 smiled home with free food items including garri, rice and beans from Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
The beneficiaries who spoke with newsmen shortly after receiving their food items could not hide their joy, as they praised the Governor for being a promise keeper and a compassionate leader.
In their message of appreciation, Esther Ekpenyong Asuquo, from Atabong Ward 1, Nyong Bassey, Mary Etim, a widow from Obufi Okobo, Iko Edem Edet from Nung Udom-Okobo,Alice Ekpenyong from Obughu Etta Ward 2, and Felix Benson Udo from Nung Atai-Okobo, who described the entire process as transparent, thanked Governor Umo Eno for remembering them, and lauded team from the Bulk Purchase Agency for their painstaking efforts in overseeing a smooth and transparent process, while the distribution exercise lasted.
The ongoing ARISE Free Food Distribution programme by the Akwa Ibom State Government under the Bulk Purchase Agency is geared towards cushioning the effects of the current economic situation, while the government in the long run is investing hugely in agriculture through the back-to -farm initiative, the Songhai model farms, farm settlements and a host of other agricultural revolution which is expected to ensure food availability, reduction in prices of food stuffs, and food security in the State.
Former Deputy Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Princess Felicia Bassey and the Transition Committee Chairman of the Local Government Area, Mr. Tony Antigha, led other officials of the Council and Stakeholders to receive the Executive Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Bulk Purchase Agency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Dan Akpan and his team to the local government area.
The AKBPA Chairman, Dr. Dan Akpan commended OKOBO people for the turnout and good conduct, saying the arrival of the food truck in the area was a demonstration of Governor Umo Eno’s love to the downtrodden.
General Manager of the agency, Hon. Unyime Etim said the food was meant for vulnerable members of the society whose names were captured in the updated social register.
Welcoming the team to Okobo, Princess Felicia Bassey described Governor Umo Eno as a ‘talk and do Governor ‘ who made a promise to Akwa Ibom people, and has fulfilled the promise. He noted the Governor’s action has brought hope to vulnerable members of the society.
On his part, the Transition Committee Chairman in OKOBO, Mr. Tony Antigha described the Governor as a leader who is passionate about the wellbeing of the people, and stops at nothing to ensure that he puts smiles on their faces.
INI Local Government Area is next inline to receive the food truck, come Tuesday 24th September, 2024.
