There was excitement in Urueoffong/Oruko Local Government Area on Monday as the food truck managed by the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency arrived at the council secretariat to distribute food items to deserving beneficiaries, courtesy of Governor Umo Eno.
The ARISE Food Security Program, now in its second phase, has been reaching communities across the state, distributing food palliatives to vulnerable households registered in the social register.
The arrival of the food truck in Urueoffong/Oruko marks the 19th local government area visited so far.
Distributing the food items—which included garri, rice, and beans—the General Manager of the Akwa Ibom Bulk Purchase Agency, Hon. Unyime Etim, representing the Executive Chairman of the Agency, Dr. Dan Akpan, stated that the agency was there under the Governor’s directive to bring relief to vulnerable members of the local government area.
“His Excellency, the Governor, sent us to Urueoffong/Oruko to provide food for vulnerable persons in the local government area. I assure you that we have enough food in this truck to go around. As long as you are listed in the social register and have your food voucher, you will receive your share,” said Etim.
The General Manager added that the Governor understands the people’s challenges and, as a compassionate leader, has initiated programs to ensure their well-being while also implementing policies to boost agriculture and increase food production across the state.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Local Government, Rt. Hon. Chief Uno Etim Uno, who led other council officials and local stakeholders to welcome the team from the Bulk Purchase Agency, praised the ARISE Food Security Program, saying the initiative demonstrates Governor Umo Eno’s compassionate leadership.
He expressed satisfaction with the transparency observed throughout the distribution process since it began a few months ago. “Pastor Umo Eno is a Governor with a heart for the people. We are fortunate to have him. Times are tough, and I want to thank the Governor for initiating this free food distribution,” he said.
In her address, the House of Assembly Member for Urueoffong/Oruko, Hon. Precious Selong, commended the Governor for being attentive to the people’s needs.
Other notable figures who applauded the Governor’s ARISE Food Security Program included the Council Secretary, Hon. Amana Henshaw; PDP Chapter Chairman, Hon. Tom Efombruh; and the Vice-President II of the Oron Union Youth Wing, Ulap Daniel Etim Edeke, who also serves as the Youth President of Uboro-Oro Village.
The beneficiaries, expressing their joy to newsmen, conveyed their gratitude for being selected to receive the Governor’s food palliatives. They especially praised the transparency of the Bulk Purchase Agency in managing the distribution and prayed for blessings upon the Governor for his generosity.
Also present to witness the distribution exercise was the Governor’s Media Consultant, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, who in a chat with newsmen described the ARISE food security program of Governor Umo Eno as an impacting programme undertaken by any government in Nigeria to ensure that the vulnerable are catered for.
He urged the beneficiaries to key into the clarion call by the Governor for all embrace agriculture.
“But beyond the food distribution which is an interventionist program., the message is for the people to get back to the farm and grow the food that we eat and take advantage of all the opportunities given by the Governor through his agricultural development initiatives”.
Other key stakeholders from the local government area, including former House of Assembly Member Hon. Asuquo Archibong, former council chairmen Rt. Hon. Okon Tom Osung and Hon. Umana Efombruh, along with ward PAs to the Governor and councilors, were on hand to monitor the process.
