Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has flagged off the distribution of 15,000 bags of rice donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation, describing the intervention as timely and impactful in the face of prevailing economic challenges across the country.
The ceremony, which held on Wednesday, July 30, at the Women Development Centre, IBB Avenue, Uyo, witnessed wide participation from government officials, community leaders, and stakeholders. Represented by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Emem Ibanga, Governor Eno expressed gratitude to the Foundation, noting that the donation was not only a relief but also a strong message of hope to struggling families.
“This donation could not have come at a better time, especially when the cost of living continues to weigh heavily on our people, such that every bag of food placed in the hands of a struggling family is both a lifeline and a message that they have not been forgotten,” he said.
Governor Eno explained that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Social Investment Programme and complements Akwa Ibom’s Bulk Purchase Food Intervention Programme, which has so far reached over 477,000 households across all 31 local government areas. He further announced that the third phase of the state’s free food distribution exercise will commence in August.
Calling for greater private sector participation, the Governor urged corporate organisations, philanthropists, and individuals to emulate the Dangote Foundation in supporting vulnerable groups. He also emphasized the need for long-term solutions to food insecurity through a renewed commitment to agriculture.
Speaking on behalf of the First Lady’s Office, Lady Helen Obareki, through Hon. Selina Ukpatu, applauded the Foundation for aligning with the Governor’s vision of inclusive welfare, while assuring that the rice would reach its intended beneficiaries.
The Head of Operations of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr. Edero Ejiro, disclosed that the donation was part of a nationwide distribution of one million 10kg bags of rice targeted at widows, artisans, the physically challenged, and other vulnerable Nigerians. He reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to impactful interventions in education, economic empowerment, and humanitarian support.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Eno Akpan, praised Governor Eno’s compassionate leadership style, while highlighting the complementary role of federal and private interventions in tackling hardship.
In goodwill messages, the ALGON Chairman, Hon. Uwemedimo Udo, and the Governor’s aide on Persons with Disabilities, Comrade Ubong Ikpe, commended the Governor for opening up the state to partnerships rooted in compassion, and lauded the Dangote Foundation for extending its generosity to Akwa Ibom people.
The well-attended event featured local government chairmen, religious leaders, disability groups, senior aides, and other stakeholders, who pledged transparency in the distribution process.
