Fourth phase of the programme will see a total of 217,000 bags of rice and beans distributed across the 31 local government areas
By James Akan
·
Published on July 13, 2026
·
2 min read
For many vulnerable families in Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Area, empty kitchens gave way to renewed hope on Tuesday as the Akwa Ibom State Government commenced the fourth phase of its ARISE Free Food Distribution Programme.
A total of 7,000 households received bags of rice and beans under the initiative, which is aimed at cushioning the effects of the prevailing economic hardship and strengthening food security across the state.
Beneficiaries from the 10 political wards converged at the Council Secretariat, where the food items were distributed through the State Social Register, a database used to identify eligible households and ensure transparency in the process.
Leading the exercise, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, said the programme reflects Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable citizens through targeted social intervention.
She explained that the use of the State Social Register guarantees accountability and ensures that support reaches those who need it most.
Also present at the exercise were the General Manager of the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, Hon. Unyime Etim, and the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah.
Umanah described the initiative as another demonstration of the Governor’s compassionate and people centred leadership, adding that the allocation of food items to each local government area had been increased from 5,000 to 7,000 bags.
According to him, the fourth phase of the programme will see a total of 217,000 bags of rice and beans distributed across the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State.
Chairman of Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Uno Etim Uno, commended Governor Umo Eno for sustaining the humanitarian intervention, describing it as timely support for vulnerable households battling rising living costs.
Stakeholders from neighbouring Okobo Local Government Area, who monitored the exercise, also applauded the orderly and transparent distribution process.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Affiong Okon, Arit John Udo, Nkoyo Effiong Uso, Mary John Okon and Victor Okon Iyanam, thanked the Governor for the intervention, saying the food items would provide much needed relief for their families.
As food prices continue to stretch household budgets, the intervention offered thousands of families something many had been waiting for, a little less worry about the next meal.
