Ikono political stakeholders have commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for flagging off free distribution of food items to vulnerable persons across the state captured on the social register, describing him as a compassionate leader.
They made this commendation on Monday at Ikono Council Hall, Ibiaku Ntok Okpo, during the flag off of “ARISE Food Security Programme” in the area.
Under the ARISE Food Security Programme beneficiaries are entitled to either rice, beans or garri depending on the voucher they are issued.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Transition Committee Chairman of Ikono, Hon. Kingsley Akpan commended the Governor’s gesture and also sensitized the people on what the programme entails and steps beneficiaries are to take to get the items.
“This programme is in line with Pastor Umo Eno’s commitment to impacting lives of the people both vulnerable and those in rural communities.
“Today’s ceremony is in line with the Governor’s instruction to all local government chairmen to go to their various LGAs to flag off the distribution of food items to the vulnerable.
“Today, we’ve started the implementation and it is going to cut across all the wards in Ikono.
“For today, we are going to give vouchers to the select beneficiaries assembled here to redeem their food items from the agents/vendors but subsequently, the Personal Assistants to the Governor from each Ward will issue the vouchers to beneficiaries from their wards to take to where the agents/vendors are in the markets to redeem the items”, Hon. Akpan explained.
Also, speaking, a member of the State Executive Council, Prof. Augustine Umoh, commended the Governor for having a compassionate heart towards the people and prayed God to continue to bless him.
“What’s happening today has further strengthened the fact that Pastor Umo Eno is a promise keeping Governor and we’re very grateful to him for this gesture”, Prof. Umoh stated.
Prof. Augustine Umoh also pleaded with those who are yet to benefit to be patient as Governor Eno has other initiatives that will benefit them too.
On his part, Sen. Aloysius Etok in his goodwill message thank the Governor for the gesture and also commended the Chairman for heeding to the Governor’s instruction.
He also warned those who can feed themselves not to struggle to be part of beneficiaries but to allow it get to the people in need.
“I’ve always advised, let it not be that because you’ve seen someone being included or listed as vulnerable or poorest of the poor, you also want to be captured, because what you wish yourself becomes your reality.
“If you can feed yourself, rather than push for your name to be on the list, help the government to ensure that this programme gets to the vulnerable”, Sen. Etok pleaded.
Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of Ikono Edidem Etim Nnana Itang in his goodwill message commended the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for the initiative and rallied the cooperation of the people for smooth implementation.
The programme will continue in other Wards in Ikono.
