Akwa Ibom Begins Distribution Of 217,000 Bags Of Food To Vulnerable Residents

July 13, () — The Akwa Ibom State Government says it is set to commence the fourth phase of its ARISE Free Food Distribution Programme, with 217,000 bags of rice and beans earmarked for distribution to vulnerable households across the state’s 31 local government areas.

The exercise, which will begin simultaneously in Oron and Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Areas, is expected to run until August 17, with each local government allocated 7,000 bags of staple food.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the State Commissioner for Information, Dr Aniekan Umanah, the programme will be implemented by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency.

The government said food supplies would be delivered through a coordinated statewide distribution schedule using designated food trucks, while beneficiaries would receive the items strictly through the approved Food Voucher system after verification against the State Social Register.

It explained that the process is designed to ensure transparency, accountability and fairness in the distribution of the food items.

The state government noted that more than 650,000 vulnerable households and individuals benefited from the first three phases of the intervention, describing the initiative as one of the flagship humanitarian programmes of the administration of Governor Umo Eno aimed at cushioning the impact of prevailing economic challenges on low-income residents.

It called on local government chairmen, ward personal assistants to the governor, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to mobilise eligible beneficiaries to participate in the exercise on their scheduled dates.

The government also stressed that food vouchers would only be issued to verified beneficiaries captured in the State Social Register and urged all stakeholders to ensure the exercise remains peaceful, orderly and transparent.

While reaffirming its commitment to supporting vulnerable households, the government said the food distribution programme complements its broader investments in agriculture and food security, urging citizens to embrace farming and other productive ventures as sustainable means of livelihood.

It added that the administration would continue implementing people-focused programmes aimed at improving livelihoods, strengthening food security and expanding economic opportunities across the state under the ARISE Agenda.