By Ekaette Okon Joseph
The joyful smiles, heartfelt prayers, and quiet expressions of relief that greeted the distribution of 7,000 bags of rice and beans across communities in Akwa Ibom State told a story that extended far beyond food assistance.
They reflected the growing impact of Governor Umo Eno’s humanitarian governance philosophy—one that places the welfare of vulnerable citizens at the centre of public policy.
From the riverine communities of Okobo and Esit Eket to the agrarian settlements of Nsit Ubium, Nsit Atai, Essien Udim, Ika, and Ini, thousands of vulnerable households are benefiting from the fourth phase of the ARISE Free Food Distribution Programme, a flagship intervention designed to cushion economic hardship and strengthen social protection.
The programme has become one of the defining pillars of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, complementing the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs facilitating beneficiary mobilisation and verification.
At a time of rising food prices, the administration has continued to demonstrate that good governance is measured not only by infrastructure but also by policies that directly improve the lives of the poor, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and widows.
After successfully implementing the first three phases, with 5,000 bags allocated to each local government area, Governor Umo Eno approved an increase to 7,000 bags under the ongoing fourth phase. By the end of the exercise, about 217,000 bags of food will have been distributed across all 31 local government areas of the state.
Coordinated by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs under Commissioner Princess Emem Ibanga, the programme has been implemented in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, local government councils, Ward Personal Assistants, and councillors, ensuring an orderly and transparent distribution process across the state.
Princess Ibanga said the intervention reflects Governor Umo Eno’s determination to cushion economic hardship while the administration continues to invest in agriculture to guarantee long-term food security.
The state government has also worked closely with the Federal Government to facilitate the implementation of the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme in Akwa Ibom State.
Under the programme, eligible beneficiaries captured in the National Social Register receive debit cards loaded with N75,000. Nationwide, more than 650,000 households benefited during the first phase, while the ongoing phase targets an additional 217,000 households.
The impact was particularly evident in Essien Udim Local Government Area, where 2,450 beneficiaries received more than N183.75 million during the flag-off of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme.
Addressing beneficiaries, Princess Ibanga described the initiative as evidence of productive collaboration between the Federal Government and the Akwa Ibom State Government.
She encouraged residents to obtain their National Identity Numbers (NINs) to facilitate their inclusion in the National Social Register.
The Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Council, Hon. Ntiedo Usoro, described the intervention as a practical demonstration of the synergy between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
The most memorable moment of the event, however, came when one beneficiary, Mama Helena Jonah Udofia of Adiasim Ikot Essien Ndon, broke into spontaneous dance after receiving her debit card.
She offered prayers for President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno, and the local government chairman.
That sense of gratitude has resonated across the state. In Nsit Atai, Mrs. Emem Smart, Mr. Caleb Asuquo Williams, Mrs. Esther Ben, and Mr. Mfon Godwin were among the beneficiaries who received bags of rice and beans under the fourth phase.
In Okobo, heavy rainfall did not discourage elderly residents, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and persons with disabilities from gathering at the council headquarters to receive food items.
Mr. Francis Okon, Madam Esther Timothy, Mrs. Uduak Okon, Mr. Monday Effiong, Queen Morris, and Mr. Ekpenyong Ekong were among those who collected food items at the Okobo Local Government Council headquarters.
The programme also received an enthusiastic response in Nsit Ubium, where beneficiaries praised Governor Umo Eno for increasing the allocation from 5,000 to 7,000 bags.
The Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Council, Hon. Alfred Charles, said the programme reflects the true essence of compassionate governance.
Residents of Esit Eket also welcomed the distribution of 7,000 bags across the ten wards of the local government area.
During the exercise, Princess Ibanga announced that beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme would soon receive their debit cards.
The General Manager of the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, Rt. Hon. Unyime Etim, commended officials for ensuring a peaceful and transparent distribution process.
He stressed that strict adherence to the State Social Register remains central to the programme’s credibility.
The food distribution programme is not intended as a permanent solution to food insecurity. Rather, it is a strategic intervention designed to cushion the effects of economic hardship while the government pursues broader measures to strengthen food security across the state.
Recognising that no economy can overcome its challenges without a vibrant agricultural sector, the state government continues to encourage citizens to return to farming as the most reliable path to food sufficiency and shared prosperity.
To demonstrate this commitment, Governor Umo Eno established the Ibom Model Farm and the Ibom Equipment Leasing Company to transform agriculture into a profitable enterprise by enabling farmers to access modern farm machinery at affordable rates without the prohibitive cost of outright ownership.
This balanced approach reflects a government that is addressing both today’s realities and tomorrow’s demands.
While the food distribution programme provides immediate relief, the administration’s sustained investment in agriculture is laying the foundation for increased productivity, job creation, and economic stability.
As the food distribution programme continues across all 31 local government areas and the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme progresses, the impact of coordinated social protection is becoming increasingly evident.
For thousands of vulnerable households, these initiatives provide tangible evidence that responsive governance can deliver relief in difficult times while restoring citizens’ confidence in public institutions.
Ekaette Okon Joseph
Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State
Writes from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
