Mbak Atai Itam, the Council headquarters of ITU Local Government Area today came alive as thousands of vulnerable persons from the 91 villages in the 11 wards of the local government area trooped in to receive free food items, courtesy of Governor Umo Eno.
This initiative is part of the Arise Food Security Programme of the State government. Beneficiaries are drawn from the social Register.
The food items numbering 5000, were loaded in the food truck of the Akwa Ibom Bulk Purchase Agency. Each beneficiary presents a food voucher and receives either a 5kg bag of rice, garri or beans.
Distributing the food, Governor Umo Eno represented by the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Bulk Purchase Agency, Dr. Dan Akpan, said the exercise is only a temporary measure of ensuring food sufficiency, while encouraging beneficiaries and the people of the State to engage in farming to endure food availability and affordability in the state.
He listed efforts already put in place to boost food production in the State
General Manager of the Agency, Hon. Unyime Etim assured of enough food in the truck, and urged them to conduct themselves in an orderly manner to ensure a smooth distribution process.
Reacting, the Executive Chairman of ITU Local Government Council, Hon. Ubong Wilson Nkutt, former Secretary to the State government, Obongawan Grace Ekong, and Chairman Akwa Ibom State Secondary Education Board, Dr. Ekaette Ebong Okon in their separate remarks, commended the Governor for including vulnerable groups in ITU amongst beneficiaries of the free food.
They noted that the ARISE food security program of the Umo Eno led administration has impacted positively on the lives of the downtrodden.
Appreciating the gesture, the beneficiaries thanked the Governor for bringing joy to their doorstep, and prayed God to reward his effort.
Meanwhile, the food truck will move to ORUK-ANAM on Monday 4th November, 2024.
