The Akwa Ibom State Government has concluded preparations for the fourth phase of the ARISE Food Security Programme, with the distribution of rice and beans to vulnerable households set to commence on Monday, July 13, 2026.
As part of preparations, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, on Tuesday, July 7, met with Local Government Chairmen, Ward Personal Assistants (PAs) to the Governor and Coordinators from the three Senatorial Districts at the Akwa Ibom Bulk Purchase Agency Office, Uyo, to brief them on the exercise and outline implementation strategies.
Princess Ibanga thanked Governor Umo Eno for sustaining the programme, describing it as another demonstration of his commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable citizens. She also commended the Ward PAs for their dedication during the previous phase, noting that their cooperation contributed significantly to its success.
She announced that the fourth phase would be larger than previous editions, with increased quantities of rice and beans to reach more beneficiaries. According to her, each of the 31 Local Government Areas will receive 7,000 vouchers for the distribution. She urged stakeholders to ensure transparency, fairness and inclusiveness, stressing that only beneficiaries captured in the State Social Register would qualify. She also appealed to those who benefited from the Federal Government's 75,000 intervention to allow others to benefit from the State Government's programme.
The Commissioner disclosed that distribution would begin in Oron and Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Areas, with two Local Government Areas scheduled for distribution each day.
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| Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, Commissioner for Information |
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, described the initiative as one of Governor Eno's flagship humanitarian interventions aimed at providing relief to vulnerable and underserved residents. He urged Ward PAs to work closely with the State Social Register to ensure transparency and intensify grassroots sensitization to mobilise eligible beneficiaries.
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Hon. Unyime Etim, General Manager-Bulk Purchase Agency
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Earlier, the General Manager of the Bulk Purchase Agency, Hon. Unyime Etim, said the meeting was convened to finalise preparations for the fourth phase following the Governor's approval of another round of food distribution across the State. He called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to ensure another successful exercise.
Speaking on behalf of Local Government Chairmen from the Eket, Ikot Ekpene and Uyo Senatorial Districts, the Chairman of Okobo, Hon. Uno Etim Uno; the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom; and the Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan, Rt. Hon. Edidiong Inyang, commended the Governor for sustaining the programme and pledged their full support, including the provision of adequate security and logistics.
Similarly, speaking on behalf of Ward Personal Assistants from the three Senatorial Districts, Elder Ubong Akai, Mr. Emmanuel Ekeke and Hon. Aniefiok James applauded Governor Umo Eno's compassionate leadership and appreciated the appointment of Ward Personal Assistants, describing it as a first-of-its-kind initiative that has strengthened grassroots governance. They reaffirmed their commitment to the successful implementation of the fourth phase of the ARISE Food Security Programme.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Eno Akpan, Local Government Chairmen, Coordinators from the 31 Local Government Areas, Ward Personal Assistants and other relevant government officials.
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