By Mfonobong Ukpong
The second phase of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Food Security Initiative, which commenced on September 16, 2024, has concluded, leaving a profound impact on vulnerable households across the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State. With the distribution of 155,000 food items, this phase underscores the governor’s unwavering commitment to tackling food insecurity, hunger, and poverty in the state.
At the heart of food security are its four essential pillars: availability, access, utilization, and stability. Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda, the blueprint for his administration, integrates these pillars through its focus on agricultural revolution, rural development, infrastructure maintenance, security management, and educational advancement. Food security, as a cornerstone of this agenda, aims to ensure that no household in Akwa Ibom goes to bed hungry.
The impact of this initiative has been far-reaching. Beneficiaries, including the elderly, widows, and orphaned children, have expressed profound gratitude for the food items distributed, such as bags of rice, beans, and garri. For many, these supplies have provided critical relief, addressing immediate nutritional needs.
Food security programs, whether at the federal or state level, are designed to ensure that people have consistent access to safe and nutritious food. Their goals include increasing agricultural productivity, boosting access to resources, improving incomes and living standards, reducing poverty, and achieving food self-sufficiency. In Akwa Ibom State, the success of this initiative has been attributed to the governor’s dedication to transparency and accountability, with a fair and equitable distribution process that prioritizes the most vulnerable.
During the official launch of the program in March 2024 at the Itam Market, Governor Eno emphasized that the initiative was a short-term intervention designed to complement the Back-to-Farm Initiative. Together, these programs aim to enhance food availability, reduce prices in the market, and alleviate economic hardship for residents. He also warned against any practices that might undermine the program’s success, as its outcomes are critical for mitigating the ongoing economic challenges faced by many households.
The ARISE food security program is an initiative aimed at improving food security and promoting agricultural development in Akwa Ibom State. Phase 1 of the program was launched by Governor Umo Eno, around March this year with the primary objective of enhancing food production, processing, and distribution in the state.
The Governor Eno launched the program at the popular Itam Market, where he unveiled a free food voucher programme for the vulnerable and the neediest, from where the recipients presented the vouchers at the redemption points and were given food items. Same exercise was replicated across the local government areas with the local government administrators taking the lead in flagging off the program at their respective LGA’s.
The Phase 1 was focused on increasing food production by providing farmers with improved seeds, fertilizers, and other necessary inputs. This efforts were geared towards ensuring a significant increase in crop yields, particularly for staple crops like rice, maize, and cassava.
Empowerment of Farmers: The program empowered farmers through training and capacity-building initiatives, enabling them to adopt modern farming techniques and best practices. This helped to improve the overall efficiency and productivity of farming activities in the state.
Development of Infrastructure: Phase 1 of the ARISE program also focused on developing critical infrastructure, such as roads, storage facilities, and markets. This helped to facilitate the transportation and marketing of agricultural produce, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing farmers’ incomes.
Job Creation and Economic Growth*: The program contributed to job creation and economic growth in Akwa Ibom State, particularly in the agricultural sector. By supporting farmers and agricultural businesses, the program helped to stimulate economic activity and reduce poverty.
Challenges and Lessons Learned: Despite the successes achieved during Phase 1, there were challenges and lessons learned. These included the need for more effective coordination and collaboration among stakeholders, the importance of addressing climate change and environmental sustainability, and the requirement for more robust monitoring and evaluation systems.
The food security initiative of the State government is driven by the state’s Bulk Purchase Agency, headed by Dr. Dan Akpan.
As part of the government’s determination to boost food production and availability in the State, the Governor announced a N1.5 billion interest-free loan to Akwa Ibom traders to be managed by the Ibom Fadama Micro Finance Bank.
While announcing the interest free loan, the Governor remarked; “I have heard of how some of you go to some places to get loans with very high interest rates and that has made the cost of food go up, and before you finish paying the loans, you cannot meet up with your market or trading obligations anymore.
“I have come to tell you not to take such loans anymore. Consequently, we are releasing five hundred million Naira interest -free loans to each of the three senatorial districts (N1.5 billion in total,) to help your business.
The governor also promised to construct a car park, provide solar panel lights, modern toilet facilities, all of which were earlier requested by the leadership of the Itam Market.
Findings reveals that the Phase 1 of the ARISE food security program has made significant contributions to improving food security and promoting agricultural development in Akwa Ibom State. As the program moves forward, it is essential to build on the successes achieved, address the challenges encountered, and ensure that the program remains focused on its primary objectives.
The Akwa Ibom Bulk Purchase Agency, led by Executive Chairman Dr. Dan Akpan and General Manager Hon. Unyime Etim, has been instrumental in executing the governor’s vision. Their meticulous approach to the program’s implementation has ensured that no stone was left unturned in achieving its objectives.
Looking ahead, the ARISE Food Security Initiative is just the beginning of Governor Eno’s broader vision for Akwa Ibom State. With a strong focus on agricultural revolution and rural development, the state is positioning itself as a leader in Nigeria’s food production sector.
In conclusion, the second phase of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Food Security Initiative has proven to be a resounding success. By providing relief to thousands of vulnerable households, the program not only addresses food insecurity but also exemplifies the governor’s dedication to improving the lives of Akwa Ibom’s residents. As the administration continues to implement the ARISE Agenda, there is much optimism for a brighter and more secure future for the state.
Mfonobong Ukpong writes from Ukana Ikot Oku Etim in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
