…commends Gov. Eno as 5000 vulnerable persons receive free foodstuffs.
by Emmanuel Abi Couson
Determined to ensure the successful implementation of the the A-R-I-S-E Agenda of Governor Umo Eno in Agriculture, the Transition Chairman of Nsit Atai local government area Hon Emem Ibanga said the council is mobilizing Agric Extension Officers into villages for farming enlightenment to bring the people back to farm so there will be enough food for all.
Ibanga who made the remarks during the distribution of free foodstuffs to vulnerable households at Odot the headquarters on Thursday expressed deep-seated appreciation to the state governor pastor Umo Eno for extending his benevolence to the vulnerable people during bleak period facing the nation .
She advised over 5000 persons who trooped out to collect various food items such as rice, garri and beans from the Bulk Purchase Agency of the state government to think outside the box and focus on farm work as permanent solution to hunger .
According to her, ” We have 51 gazetted villages in Nsit Atai local government area, If the people can take Agriculture as a major occupation , hunger will be chased out from our land .
” Look at the fertile land that we have in Nsit Atai , If the people will embrace farming ,the present food crisis will be abated.
” The A-R-I-S-E Agenda of the present administration has Agriculture as a focal point . Here in Nsit Atai, Agriculture is our priority too.
” Even as a local government chairman, all my food are taken from my farm . The local government has 8 5 acres of land for Agriculture . We must embrace farming.”
Ibanga who supervised distribution of the foodstuffs in the area opined, ” The council will utilize services of Agriculture Extension Officers in the area to create awareness on Agriculture through back to farm programme of the state government”.
” We will mobilize Agric Extension Officers into villages for farming enlightenment and bring our people back to farm so there will be food for all”
Speaking earlier, “The General Manager of Akwa Ibom Bulk Purchase Agency Mr Unyime Etim said that 5000 vulnerable persons in 11 wards across 51 villages in Nsit Atai local government area Akwa Ibom state have benefitted from free food initiative by the governor Umo Eno to relief vulnerable families from the present economic hardship facing Nigerians.
Etim told Correspondents that the distribution process was smooth devoid of stampede and violence .
“Foodstuffs received included rice , beans and garri which are costly and unaffordable to vulnerable persons in recent times .
” The process is very smooth. The beneficiaries are well coordinated . Foodstuffs are given out to persons captured in the state social register. vouchers are returned for accountability .
” Our target is 5000 vulnerable persons in this local government area ”
Responding to complaints from persons who came out without the food vouchers , Etim insisted that only those whose names appeared in the state social register will benefit from the free food by the government of the state .
” For some persons without the foodstuffs voucher but turned up , government will consider them in another batch .
” It is also a warning to those who refused to show up to be captured in the social register. Next time when the governor announced for registration , they should appear and will benefit from the exercise”.
One of the foodstuffs beneficiaries Margret Okon Otu thanked governor Umo Eno for providing the foodstuffs to rural communities .
” Please thank governor Umo Eno for me. This time, the quantity of rice is better than before . We will use it while waiting for the economy to improve . I am happy.”
Another aged beneficiary Mr Okon Ubong Etim prayed God to bless pastor Umo Eno as he has the poor in mind in time of severe hardship .
” God bless pastor Umo Eno. See how he thinks about us in this time of hardship. Where will I have N600 to buy a cup of rice ?”. He asked .
