The residents of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has turned out in large numbers to receive free bags of food distributed by the state government under the leadership of Governor Umo Eno’s food intervention programme.

The Governor who was represented at the event by the General Manager of the Akwa Ibom Bulk Purchase Agency, Mr Unyime Etim, said the intervention was not just about providing food for vulnerable residents but also part of the state’s broader strategy to guarantee food security and stimulate the local economy.

Addressing the crowd, Etim disclosed that the state government brought 7,000 bags of rice and beans to the council and issued 7,000 vouchers to beneficiaries to ensure a transparent and orderly distribution process.

He explained that while the food distribution serves as an immediate intervention, Governor Eno’s administration remained committed to achieving sustainable food security through increased agricultural production.

“The only way we can sustain food security is through farming. Beyond feeding the vulnerable, this programme also boosts production because government serves as the first off-taker.

“Once our farmers produce, we buy from them and distribute the food to vulnerable people.”

Etim noted that Governor Eno had continued to deliver people oriented projects across Ibesikpo Asutan, including roads, healthcare facilities and other critical infrastructure, while still prioritising the welfare of residents through the ongoing food intervention programme.

He said the Governor sought nothing more than the continued support of the people, expressing confidence that the people of Ibesikpo Asutan would reciprocate the administration’s goodwill at the polls in 2027.

He also commended the Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, Hon. Edidiong Inyang, for ensuring orderliness during the exercise and directed that the distribution should begin with the elderly, persons with disabilities, nursing mothers and youths.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Hon. Inyang, described the Governor as a compassionate leader whose administration had consistently taken development to the grassroots and improved the lives of the downtrodden across the state’s 31 local government areas.

He said the people of Ibesikpo Asutan were delighted with the Governor’s intervention and had mandated him to convey their appreciation, while thanking the General Manager of the Bulk Purchase Agency for bringing the programme to the area.

Also speaking, the member representing Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Ubong Attah, praised Governor Eno for keeping faith with the people through impactful projects and welfare programmes, assuring him of the continued support and votes of the people of the area in the 2027 elections.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Linus Nkan, described the Governor as a promise keeper and compassionate leader, saying the food intervention reflected his commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable residents.

On behalf of the youths, the Village Youth President, Mr. Itai James Abraham, commended Governor Eno for extending the food distribution programme to Ibesikpo Asutan, saying the administration had continued to demonstrate genuine concern for the people through infrastructure development, youth empowerment and social welfare initiatives.

He assured the Governor that the youths of the area would continue to support his administration and reward his performance with overwhelming votes in the 2027 general elections.

Faith Inwang, a beneficiary of the free food distribution exercise described the intervention as timely, saying it had brought relief to her household amid the prevailing economic challenges.

She commended the State Government for extending the ARISE Free Food Distribution Programme to her community, noting that the gesture would go a long way in reducing the burden of feeding her family.

She also prayed for the Governor, urging him to sustain people centred initiatives that directly improve the welfare of residents across the state.

The exercise witnessed a peaceful and orderly turnout, with thousands of beneficiaries receiving food items through the voucher system as part of the state’s ongoing ARISE food security initiative.

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