Eno extends free food distribution to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom

As part of his commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens from the harsh realities of the nation’s economic challenges, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has launched a free food distribution programme.

The distribution exercise, held at the Oron Local Government Council Secretariat on Monday, attracted beneficiaries from all the wards in the area, who received bags of rice and beans through the State Social Register, a transparent database designed to identify and reach the most vulnerable households across the state.

Representing Governor Eno, Emem Ibanga, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, said that the initiative reflected the Governor’s compassionate disposition and his determination to prioritise the welfare of the people, particularly the vulnerable.

According to her, the food distribution programme is one of several social intervention initiatives deliberately designed by the administration to provide succour to vulnerable households while strengthening food security across the state.

He said, “Governor Umo Eno believes that governance must be felt by the people, especially those who are most vulnerable.

“This programme is a clear demonstration of his compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment to ensuring that families have food on their tables despite the prevailing economic realities.

“The beneficiaries were selected through the State Social Register to guarantee transparency, fairness and accountability. It is a credible system that ensures these interventions reach those who genuinely need them.

“We appreciate the Governor for his love for the people and urge beneficiaries to continue supporting the programmes and policies of his administration.”

Okon Enweme, Chairman of Oron Local Government Council, commended Governor Umo Eno for sustaining the free food distribution programme despite prevailing economic pressures.

He described the intervention as a practical expression of compassionate governance and responsive leadership.

“This initiative continues to reassure our people that they have a Governor who genuinely identifies with their challenges.

“On behalf of the people of Oron Local Government Area, I sincerely thank Governor Umo Eno for his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable families. We remain grateful for his love and concern for our people.”

Also present during the distribution exercise were political leaders, community stakeholders and government officials, who applauded the transparency, orderliness and efficiency of the process.

They all described the programme as another testament to the administration’s commitment to delivering impactful social intervention programmes that directly improve the living conditions of citizens.

In separate responses, beneficiaries who were visibly elated after receiving their food items expressed profound gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for remembering vulnerable households during difficult economic times.

Iniobong Okon, one of the beneficiaries, described the intervention as a lifeline for many struggling families.

“This food will go a long way in helping my family. We sincerely thank Governor Umo Eno for remembering people like us. May God continue to bless him and grant him the wisdom to keep serving the people.”

Edem Inyang, another beneficiary, said that the programme had restored hope to many households.

“I appreciate the Governor’s kindness and pray that God continues to strengthen him to do even more for Akwa Ibom people”, Inyang noted.

The Free Food Distribution Programme remains one of the flagship humanitarian initiatives of the Umo Eno administration, reflecting its commitment to inclusive governance, social protection and ensuring that vulnerable citizens continue to benefit from the dividends of democracy under the ARISE Agenda.