The people of Itu Local Government Area yesterday received another major intervention from the Akwa Ibom State Government, as 7,000 bags of rice and beans under the fourth phase of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Free Food Distribution Programme arrived in the area, bringing relief to thousands of vulnerable residents.

The food items were distributed at the Itu Local Government Council, with beneficiaries, community leaders and stakeholders commending Governor Eno for sustaining the initiative and describing it as a practical demonstration of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the people.

Speaking during the exercise, Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, Hon. Ubong Wilson Nkutt, expressed appreciation to the Governor for what he described as a compassionate intervention that has brought happiness to the people of Itu.

“I thank the Governor for this gesture. He has made Itu people very, very happy.

“He has given the dividends of democracy to Akwa Ibom people and Itu people are direct beneficiaries.

“Recipients of the rice and beans are smiling back home, so I thank him.”

The Council Chairman particularly commended the scale of the fourth phase, noting that Itu has received 7,000 bags of rice and beans, which he said was an improvement in quantity compared with previous phases.

“I particularly thank him because this phase, we have never had it this good before.

“This fourth phase is 7,000 bags of rice and beans. Compared to the other ones, in terms of quantity the Governor has given, this is commendable.

“It is an intentional compassionate gesture that he has been doing. I thank him.”

Hon. Nkutt also said that he encourages previous beneficiaries to allow other vulnerable residents to benefit from the intervention, adding that beneficiaries were selected through the State Social Register.

“We keep sensitising our people who have collected before to give room to others to also collect, and the names are drawn from the State Social Register.”

He further disclosed that communities that had initially been reluctant to participate in the registration exercise were being given another opportunity to register, stressing that those who could not benefit from the current distribution would have an opportunity in subsequent phases.

“The villages that were reluctant to do their registration have been given opportunity to do so, working with the General Manager, Bulk Purchase Agency.

“So those who will not benefit today will collect next phase.”

Representing Governor Umo Eno at the distribution exercise, Princes Emem Ibanga thanked the people of Itu for their continued support for the administration and urged beneficiaries to ensure an orderly distribution process.

She recalled that the Governor had previously sent the food intervention to Itu, noting that the latest consignment was part of the administration’s sustained effort to cushion the effect of economic hardship on vulnerable households.

“Today in Itu, I came to represent the Governor who gave that truck of rice and beans to you people.

“I want to thank Itu people for their support to Gov. Eno’s administration.

“I know Itu people are peaceful and organised, so there will be no problem or disorder.”

The Commissioner also appealed to those who had benefited from previous distributions to give others the opportunity to receive the food items.

She urged Itu people to take advantage of the various empowerment and welfare initiatives of the State Government, recalling the recent distribution of debit cards to beneficiaries under another government intervention.

“I believe that some people who collected last time will give chance to others to collect.

“The government came here a few weeks ago to distribute debit cards. Those debit cards contain N75,000.

“These are the benefits of government. So everyone should be open to embrace every government initiative brought to their communities.”

Also speaking, Hon. Emmanuel Udang expressed delight at the turnout of beneficiaries, particularly elderly residents who came to receive the food items.

He described the intervention as evidence of the Governor’s concern for vulnerable people across the State.

“I am very, very happy with what I have seen today. I want to appreciate God for our compassionate Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for this show of love.

“The people of Itu LGA are very happy. I have seen a lot of aged men and women who have come out to receive these food items today.

“This shows that we have a Governor that is caring. The people are happy and they appreciate the Governor.”

Some beneficiaries also expressed appreciation for the intervention, saying the food items would provide immediate relief for their households amid the rising cost of food.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ekaette Udo, thanked the Governor for remembering vulnerable families in the area.

“I am very grateful for this rice and beans. Things are not easy, especially for families that depend on small businesses.

“This food will help us reduce the money we would have spent on feeding.

“We appreciate Governor Umo Eno for this gesture and we pray that God will continue to give him wisdom to lead us.”

Another beneficiary, Mr. Inyang Etim, described the intervention as timely, noting that it would go a long way in supporting his family.

“I thank the Governor for what he is doing for ordinary people. This is not something we should take for granted.

“The rice and beans will help us at home, especially with the high cost of food. We are happy that Itu is included in this programme.”

Similarly, Mrs. Mfonima Akpan, an elderly beneficiary, expressed joy over receiving the food items and prayed for the success of the Governor’s administration.

“I am happy today because I did not expect to receive this kind of support.

“I thank our Governor and everyone who made this possible. God will bless him and continue to strengthen him to do more for the people.”

The Itu Local Government Area distribution marks the 28th LGA visited by the Governor’s food truck, further extending the reach of the State Government’s food intervention to communities across Akwa Ibom.

Please follow and like us: