…217,000 Bags of Rice, Beans to Reach Vulnerable Households Across 31 LGAs
The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced that the fourth phase of its ARISE Free Food Distribution Programme will commence on Monday, July 13, 2026, with simultaneous flag-off ceremonies in Oron and Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Areas.
The initiative, coordinated by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, is aimed at providing relief to vulnerable households affected by the prevailing economic challenges.
According to a press release signed by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, a total of 217,000 bags of staple food items, comprising rice and beans, will be distributed across the state’s 31 Local Government Areas. Each council has been allocated 7,000 bags, while the distribution exercise will run from July 13 to August 17, 2026.
The government explained that immediately after the flag-off ceremony, food trucks would move simultaneously to the various Local Government Areas according to an approved timetable to ensure smooth and timely distribution.
It noted that the exercise would be conducted strictly through the Food Voucher System, with only verified beneficiaries captured in the State Social Register eligible to receive the food items. The measure, according to the government, is designed to guarantee transparency, accountability and fairness throughout the distribution process.
The ARISE Free Food Distribution Programme is one of the flagship humanitarian initiatives of Governor Pastor Umo Eno’s administration, established to cushion the impact of economic hardship on vulnerable residents while advancing the welfare objectives of the ARISE Agenda.
The government disclosed that over 650,000 vulnerable households and individuals across Akwa Ibom State have benefited from the first three phases of the programme, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that no vulnerable citizen is left behind.
To ensure the success of the exercise, the state government called on Local Government Chairmen, Ward Personal Assistants to the Governor, traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders to intensify grassroots mobilization and encourage all qualified beneficiaries to participate on their scheduled dates.
The Commissioner stressed that food vouchers would be issued only to duly verified beneficiaries listed in the State Social Register and urged all stakeholders to ensure that the distribution remains peaceful, transparent, orderly and accountable.
While reaffirming its commitment to supporting vulnerable households through the intervention, the government emphasized that the programme is not a substitute for productive enterprise. It encouraged citizens to embrace farming and agricultural activities as sustainable sources of livelihood, noting that the food distribution complements the state’s ongoing investments in agriculture and other empowerment initiatives.
The state government reiterated its resolve to continue implementing people-centred programmes that improve citizens’ welfare, strengthen food security and expand economic opportunities under the ARISE Agenda.
By Ndifreke Bassey