The Akwa Ibom State Government is set to share a total of 48,000 bags of rice to the 2,272 gazetted villages in the State.

The 48,000 bags are a combination of 24,000 from the Federal Government and another 24,000 from the State Government.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Offiong Offor, PhD disclosed this on Friday, July 19, 2024 during a press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

She stated that under the arrangement, each village will receive 20 bags of rice, informing that the intervention is third in the series since the administration of Pastor Umo Eno came on board in 2023.

The State Government through the Bulk Purchasing Agency has been feeding over 100,000 families captured in the social register in the State since March 2024.

Offor emphasized that this initiative aims to alleviate the severe food insufficiency and inflation-induced hunger that has plagued the state, a situation exacerbated by broader macro-economic challenges.

“Governor Eno’s response, highlights a proactive approach, focusing on solutions rather than assigning blame during these challenging times”.

 “Governor Eno appreciates the Federal Government’s responsiveness and care during this critical period. Their support is aligned with the struggles our citizens are currently facing.” She said

The Commissioner said in line with Sustainable Development Goal 1, Food availability, affordability, and security are paramount for the administration, as a hungry populace can lead to unrest.

 “This intervention aims to mitigate the hardship our citizens are enduring, reducing extreme hunger and poverty in line with,” Dr. Offor continued. “

The commissioner also said the Ministry of Agriculture has implemented several strategic interventions, including distributing cassava cuttings, maize grains, pepper seedlings, and coconut seedlings to 135 public primary and secondary schools.

“Additionally, we have distributed 150,000 cocoa seedlings to cocoa farmers, 40,000 oil palm seedlings to oil palm farmers, 80,000 pepper seedlings to vegetable farmers, 20 metric tonnes of rice shared to rice farmers across the state, and livestock and poultry supplies to poultry farmers.

“Furthermore, we have provided livelihood grants of N150,000 to 1,560 beneficiaries and agricultural inputs and services to 900 farmers under the AKCARES Scheme.

“The distribution of the Federal and State Governments’ food intervention will occur at Local Government Council Headquarters, from where Council Chairmen will ensure the safe transportation of 20 bags to each gazetted village. Distribution dates will be announced soon”.

She said The press conference was attended by the State Commissioners for Information, Ini Ememobong, and Economic Development, Emem Bob, and Chairman of the Bulk Purchasing Agency, Dan Akpan.