…as thousands of beneficiaries smile home with various food items
…Okobo LGA takes turn, Friday
By Mfonobong Ukpong
The ongoing ARISE Free Food Distribution programme by the Akwa Ibom State Government under the Bulk Purchase Agency continued today, Thursday September 19th in Nsit-Atai Local Government Area, as thousands of beneficiaries drawn from the 51 gazetted villages and 11 wards in the area queued at the council headquarters, Odot to receive rice, beans and garri from Governor Umo Eno.
Recall that Governor Eno had while launching the Arise Food Security Programme for the vulnerable, emphasized that the initiative was aimed at cushioning the effects of the economic situation. He described the programme as a short-term intervention scheme that will work along with the Back-to-Farm Initiative to ensure availability, affordability and price reduction of food items in the market.
Receiving the team from the Akwa Ibom Bulk Purchase Agency at the Council secretariat, the Transition Committee Chairperson in Nsit-Atai, Princess Emem Ibanga commended Governor Umo Eno for his humanitarian gesture, noting that the food palliative came at the right time.
Executive Chairman of the Bulk Purchase Agency, Rt. Hon. Dan Akpan commended the people of Nsit Atai for orderly conduct, describing the ARISE free food distribution program of the Governor Umo Eno led administration as a well intentioned initiative tailored towards providing succour to vulnerable members of the society in the short run, while the government is also investing heavily in agriculture and food production, including support to farmers in the State as a long term measure to ensure reduction in pricess of food stuff and food availability across the State.
General Manager of the agency, Hon. Unyime Etim briefed the beneficiaries on modalities to take possession of the food items shared by the agency.
Responding, some of the beneficiaries who spoke with newsmen at the venue shortly after receiving their food stuffs, were full of appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for remembering them at such a time like this.
The respondents including, Blessing Effiong, Imaobong Nteyoho, Esther Emmanuel, Ini Bassey, Ekaette Mkpong, Grace Samuel Akpan, Iniobong John, Udo Joshua and Emmanuel Asuquo Udo prayed God to reward the Governor and his team for putting smiles on their faces.
The food truck will move to Okobo Local Government Area tomorrow, Friday.
