Eno’s Food Intervention, Excites Etinan Communities, Assures On 2027
By Anietie Akpan
Residents and stakeholders in Etinan Local Government Area have commended Governor Umo Eno for sustaining the ARISE Food Security Programme, describing the intervention as a timely response to the economic challenges facing vulnerable households, and have pledged their continued support for his re-election in the 2027 elections.
The commendation came on Friday, as the fourth phase of the statewide food distribution exercise reached Etinan Local Government Area, with 7,000 vulnerable residents receiving bags of staple food items under the Governor’s food security initiative.
Speaking during the exercise, the Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area, Mr Uko Umo, said the programme has brought significant relief to both beneficiaries and the local council by easing the burden of daily requests for financial assistance.
Recalling that the intervention had been sustained over time, the Chairman noted that the fourth phase of the programme was further evidence of Governor Eno’s commitment to the welfare of the ordinary people.
“This has taken a whole lot of burden from me. The Governor has done this for four times now. I am so happy today and I want to really thank His Excellency for this gesture.
Further speaking, Dr. Umo said the Governor’s development philosophy has consistently focused on improving the lives of rural dwellers and ensuring that government interventions reach those who need them most.
“This food distribution has gone down to the real people. Ever since Governor Eno came into office, all his focus has been on the less fortunate people.
“Today you have seen them and they are happy. The elderly, the poor, the less privileged and persons with disabilities have all been captured.”
He also commended the orderly conduct of the distribution exercise, attributing its success to effective planning and coordination among government officials, community leaders and security agencies.
“As you can see, everything is orderly. We are taking our time to ensure that the food reaches everybody.
“The only thing we can do is pray for him, for good health, long life and wisdom. And for his second term, as far as Etinan Local Government is concerned, it’s a done deal.”
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, Hon. Unyime Etim, said the distribution formed part of the fourth phase of the ARISE Food Security Programme, designed to cushion the effects of current economic hardships on vulnerable residents across the state.
“Today, we are in Etinan Local Government to distribute the food the government has provided. We came with 7,000 bags of food items for vulnerable people whose names were harvested from the State Social Register.”
According to him, the agency issued 7,000 vouchers to eligible beneficiaries and put in place a transparent verification process to ensure that only genuine beneficiaries received the food items.
He commended the peaceful atmosphere throughout the exercise, noting that the collaboration of stakeholders contributed significantly to its success.
“We screen every voucher to confirm that the beneficiary’s name is on the social register and that the voucher is authentic before the food is released.
“So far, Etinan has been very peaceful. The stakeholders, the Local Government Chairman, security operators, councillors, supervisors and party officials are all with us. The exercise has been orderly and peaceful.”
Beneficiaries, who turned out in large numbers, expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful amid prevailing economic realities. They said the food support would go a long way in reducing the burden on their families and prayed for God’s continued guidance and blessings upon the Governor.
Etinan is the 11th Local Government Area to benefit from the ongoing fourth phase of the ARISE Food Security Programme, with stakeholders and ward leaders monitoring the distribution process and commending the Governor’s unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable households across Akwa Ibom State.
