The Arise Food Security Programme is set to begin its free food distribution across the thirty-one (31) Local Government Areas of the State with effect from Wednesday, August 20.
The Arise Food Security Programme, an initiative of His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, is designed to distribute food items to vulnerable members of the society across the state.
To this end, the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency in conjunction with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs recently held a meeting with the Ward Personal Assistants to the Governor (Ward PAs) from the three (3) Senatorial Districts of the state, to brief them on modalities for the exercise.
The Ward PAs also received the Food Vouchers for onward issuance to beneficiaries, ahead of the different dates for distribution in their localities.
Speaking at the meeting, which held at the office of the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Emem Ibanga, noted that the Governor, who she described as compassionate and humane, has put in place a process which will ensure that beneficiaries get their food items without hassles.
She urged the Ward PAs to put in their best in the discharge of their responsibilities in order to fully interpret the vision of the Governor.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, Hon. Unyime Etim, reminded the Ward PAs’ that the Arise Food Security initiative is very dear to the heart of His Excellency, the Governor, stressing that everything must be done to ensure it succeeds.
The General Manager informed the Ward PAs’ that two (2) Local Government Areas would be visited daily, as the coordinating offices have put in place two teams which would be on duty simultaneously.
He advised them to liaise with their respective Local Government Chairmen, Councilors and Stakeholders, for a smooth exercise, urging all to remain committed to the initiative.
The meeting featured an interactive session, where the Ward PAs asked questions and gave suggestions concerning the exercise.
Some of the Ward PAs: Mr. Ekemini Umoren of Ward 2, Ikono LGA; Hon. Udeme Effiong of Asang 1, Nsit Ibom LGA; Hon. Helena Etim of Okopedi Ward 1, Okobo LGA; and Ezekiel Johnny Akpan of Ekpenyong 2, Essien Udim LGA expressed their readiness to contribute to the success of the exercise.
The third (3rd) phase distribution exercise commences with visits to Oron and Udung Uko Local Government Areas.
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