By Mfonobong Ukpong
In a heartwarming display of kindness and generosity, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Monday distributed thousands of food palliatives to residents of Mkpat Enin, bringing relief and joy to numerous families in need.
The food distribution exercise, part of the ARISE Food Security Program, benefitted residents from all 87 villages across the 15 wards of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. This initiative reflects the governor’s ongoing efforts to alleviate food insecurity and support vulnerable populations, as captured in the state’s Social Register.
The atmosphere at the Mkpat Enin Council Secretariat was lively as residents gathered to receive their food provisions. The distribution process was described as orderly and efficient, with the team from the Akwa Ibom Bulk Purchase Agency, led by its General Manager, Hon. Unyime Etim, working tirelessly to ensure that everyone received their allocations.
Beneficiaries expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for his generosity. Among those who spoke to newsmen were Udo Emmanuel Ukpong, a visually impaired 60-year-old from Ikot Akpe Village who was brought by a kind neighbor; 70-year-old Madam Comfort Jacob, also from Ikot Akpe Village; Ezekiel Effiong Monday from Ibiaku Ward 5; Mercy Uwemedimo Thomas from Mkpat Enin Village; Kuyik Richard Samuel; Eno Matthew Ekpene from Ward 4; Glory Ime; Okon Jackson Umana from Ikot Abasi Ifon in Ukpum Minya Ward 4; Okon Akpan from Ikot Aka, Ibiaku Ward 1; Peter Eto from Ikot Itina, Ibiaku Ward 1; and David Davis Ubom from Ukpum-Minya Ward 4. They acknowledged that the food would go a long way in helping them feed their families.
Earlier, General Manager of the Bulk Purchase Agency briefed beneficiaries on the collection process and explained that the visit to Mkpat Enin was part of the second phase of the ARISE Food Security Program. He assured residents that the agency would return in December for the program’s third phase.
The Council Chairman, Engr. Emmanuel Inyang, represented by the Vice-Chairman, Mrs. Owoidogho Effiong, expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for the food distribution. She noted that the palliatives would provide much-needed relief to the community’s most vulnerable members.
