Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has announced that under his food palliative programme through the Bulk Purchase Agency, the less privileged captured in the social register will now be given the food items free.
Pastor Eno was speaking at two locations, Etinan and Uyo, while flagging-off the construction of two major roads, the 8.6km Ediene Abak – Ikot Ekan Road project, and the 7.86km Ring Road III dual carriage project spanning Idoro Road in Uyo to Itak in Ikono local government area.
Governor Umo Eno disclosed that contrary to the initial provisions that the less privileged would buy the food items at subsidized rates, he was going to make the food available to them at no cost of theirs.
He said the food intervention programme will be flagged off on Tuesday next week with the launching of the Bulk Purchase food vouchers at a designated market in the State, after which the agents would be unveiled to carry out the scheme in all parts of the State.
“My personal assistants from the wards, would be given the vouchers, and they will verify your names in the social register before giving you the voucher, after which you will take it and go and redeem the food item from our redemption centers.
“Before the end of this week, we will publish the names of all the redemption centers. And once you get the voucher, you go and get the food item absolutely free. If it is rice, it will be 5kg bags of rice each,” the Governor said.
He however reiterated his call on all local government transition chairmen and members of the public to return to the farms and make food available, adding that he has charged the Ministry of Agriculture to make inputs available for ease of productivity among farmers in the State.
“I look forward to local government chairmen who will invite me to come and inspect the progress recorded in their respective farms”, the Governor charged.
Pastor Eno thanked the people for voting him into office a year ago during the elections, and said the roads construction flag off ceremonies which started in Eket Senatorial District, had taken him to Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District before coming to Uyo Senatorial District, announcing a further increase from the initial target of 18 roads, to 20 roads.
He sued for cooperation with the contractors handling projects across the State, warning that Government would deal decisively with any community or its leader, if they embark on actions that stall the progress of any project.
“It is in our place to protect and cooperate with the contractors to ensure the work is done right and not put them under unnecessary pressure. A monitoring team has been put in place and I won’t mind terminating any contract if the contractors are not optimally performed.
The Governor also promised that all parts of the State will be positively affected by the infrastructural expansion programme of his administration, but explained that it is only in an atmosphere of peace that developments can thrive.
“Please stakeholders, sue for peace among your people. Let them know that since rancour had brought about no meaningful progress in the affected places, peace should be embraced by all.
Governor Eno said his attention was drawn to the Ediene Abak – Ikot Ekan road when he received an sms from a student on the poor condition of the road and its importance, while his visit to the ongoing State Housing project in Ibiono Ibom, had presented him the sorry state of the Idoro Road – Ring Road 3 Road project.
Giving insights on the roads, Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof Eno Ibanga explained that a foreign contractor, J. P. Sigma was to deliver the Abak – Etinan Road in 2 years while the Idoro – Itak Ikot Ide Ring Road 3 project is being handled by an indigenous contractor, Hensek Integrated Services, and promised that his Ministry will ensure supervision to properly translate Governor Eno’s vision in road infrastructure to concrete reality.
Speaking at the Ring Road 3 (Idoro Road- Itak Ikot Ede)flag -off, Managing Director of Hensek Integrated Services, Engr. Uwem Okoko, said he was given 30 months to finish the road project, but assured the Governor that he would complete and deliver the entire project in 13 months.
“I want to assure the people of Akwa Ibom State that I will complete this project in 13 months, and that means by April 2025, this road will be fully completed for His Excellency to commission in May. I make that commitment today with full responsibility. We have started the work and we are moving with speed and quality,” Engr. Okoko said.
In their respective welcome addresses, Transition Chairmen of Etinan, Abak, Uyo, Ikono and Ibiono, thanked the Governor for his lofty programmes which have positively affected their communities, and pledge the continuous support of their people to his leadership.
