From Isaac Job, Uyo
Vulnerable persons in Ibesikpo Asutan local area of Akwa Ibom state have received food items from the state government to cushion effects of hardship occasioned by food crisis in Nigeria.
Food items received include through government approved vouchers include rice ,beans and garri to cushion the effects of the prevailing economic situation in the country.
The Akwa ibom state governor, Pastor Umo Eno at the height of the economic challenges facing the nation assured the indigents citizens of his administration’s determination to cater for their welfare.
Eno established the State Bulk Purchase Agency with the mandate to source, buy and share staple foodstuffs like garri, rice and beans and distribute them free to the vulnerable persons throughout all the local government areas in the state.
Flagging off the second phase of the palliative distribution in the state on Monday, the General Manager of the State Bulk Purchase Agency Hon. Uyime Etim explained that the Agency is relying on the world bank endorsed register for the vulnerable to choose beneficiaries.
According to him, ” The governor’s Personal Assistants in all the wards in council were directed to issue vouchers to only those in the register and all they do is to come here with authentic voucher so that they return home with the food stuffs.
“What we are doing today is to cushion the effects of the harsh economy on the people, it’s a temporary measure but the governor has encouraged the people to return fully to Agriculture and farming for lasting solution to the challenges of hunger and poverty”
A former member of the House of Representatives and Media Consultant to the governor Umo Eno Hon Aniekan Umana said the palliative distribution is timely owing to the prevailing economic situation in the country and commended Umo Eno for his humane disposition towards the needy.
Umana disclosed that the foodstuffs were meant for Akwa ibom people without any political inclination and strictly for those who are truly vulnerable.
” You can see the excitement in the faces of the people both the aged and the young people. The beauty of the event is that beneficiaries cut across party lines. I have seen people from other political inclinations here and we are very meticulous on ensuring that the real beneficiaries only have the foodstuffs.
“The governor is aware that hunger is no respecter of persons or political inclinations thus the welfare of the Akwa ibom people remains topmost in his heart and this event will continue throughout the 31 local government areas of the state until 11th November 2024.
The member representing Ibesikpo Asutan state constituency in the state House of Assembly Hon Ubong Obot and the Transition Committee Chairman of the council Mrs Akon Michael Asuquo expressed deep gratitude to governor Umo Eno for his benevolence to the less privileged persons and his love for Ibesikpo Asutan people.
” The governor has been very helpful, kind and generous to our people and we will gladly vote for him again in the next elections. Ibesikpo Asutan people are indebted to the governor for all the projects he has executed here in just over one year”.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with Daily Sun said the governor’s gesture has rekindled their beliefs that the governor is truly a compassionate father to all and a true man of God.
A 72 year old recipient Mr. Ekemini Udoh said the governor has given him another reason to smile.
” When I go to market, I return home heartbroken because of the high cost of items, what I have gotten today will help me a lot”. He said .