In continuation of the ARISE Food Security Programme in Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, the Transition Committee Chairman, Uko Umoh, has warned against sabotage by those in charge of the programme.

Umoh, who gave this warning on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Etinan LG Council Secretariat, insisted that only vulnerable members of the society should benefit from the free food distribution in area.

He frowned at a situation where capable members of the public who can fend for themselves were lining up to collect food items, adding that, he will screen out such persons even if their names are in the social register.

Eight vulnerable members drawn from each ward received 5kg rice, garri and beans.

The chairman urged beneficiaries to appreciate Governor Umo Eno for his benevolence.

“All the food items shared here were sent by our Governor. These items are not for able bodied people but for the weak and vulnerable members of the society”.

“Let me announce that before you benefit, your name must be in the social register and even if your name is in the social register but you are capable of using your hands to work, I will not allow you get anything.” The chairman insisted.

In his speech, the General Manager/Secretary State Bulk Purchasing Agency, Unyime Etim, commended the Local Government Chairman, Uko Umoh for organising rightful beneficiaries for the programme.

Etim emphasized that the food sharing for vulnerable will not be forever, urging them to venture into farming so that they can benefit more from government.

He revealed that after this phase, the programme will be taken towards where five shops in each of the wards will be commissioned to sell food items to those with vouchers.

Unyime Etim called on all Personal Assistants to the Governor to work according to directives and cooperate with the chairman to make the dream of empowering the vulnerable a reality.

“This food sharing will not be forever. It will be in three phases. After collecting the food, you will go back to the farm, after harvesting, government will buy the food stuffs from you at a good price and resell it to members of the public.”

Some beneficiaries who spoke with Kristina Report, commended Governor Umo Eno for the initiative.

A beneficiary from Etinan Village, Ime Okon expressed joy over the food stuffs, adding that she has been motivated and strengthen to go back to farming.

Another beneficiary, Glory Benson from Etinan Urban, prayed for God’s wisdom upon the Governor and the council chairman while assuring of his commitment in farming business.

Highpoint of the programme was the sharing of food items to the vulnerable by both the council chairman, Uko Umoh and the General Manager/Secretary, Bulk Purchasing Agency, Unyime Etim.