Gov. Eno Urges Palliative Recipients To Embark On Aggressive Farming

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has expressed concern over the country’s prevailing socio-economic challenges and urged every Akwa Ibomites, especially the vulnerable persons, to combine aggressive farming with government palliatives to assuage the problem.

The governor, who was represented by the commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Prof. Imoh Moffat, gave the advice at Utu, headquarters of the Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of the state, during the disbursement of food palliatives, including rice, beans and garri, to thousands of vulnerable households spread across the 11 wards of the council area.

According to him, “There is no way government can address the hunger challenge with food palliatives; it’s unrealistic. So, the best way is for everyone to embrace farming,” he stressed.

The governor, therefore, is assured of his administration’s commitment to agriculture under the ‘ARISE Agenda’ blueprint, as free agricultural inputs, including fertiliser, improved seedlings and other interventions, have been put in place for agricultural acceleration towards a permanent solution to the food crises.

The Executive Chairman of the Bulk Purchase Agency (BPA) and a former House of Representatives Member, Dr. Daniel Akpan, said the truck load of over 5,000 bags of foodstuffs was a deliberate follow-up arrangement of the state government to cushion the harsh living conditions of the people.

Related: Gov Eno Assents Bulk Purchase, Assets Management Agency Bill

He thanked the governor for his commitment to the people’s welfare in these trying times, noting that his compassionate disposition was dispassionate and non-political as the beneficiaries were drawn across the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition party lines.

Speaking at the event, the transition chairman of Etim Ekpo, Mr. Ekpuk Eshiet, described the governor’s leadership as sensitive and responsive to the needs of the people.

He highlighted the program’s scope, stating that 5,000 vulnerable individuals across 11 wards, 76 villages, and 111 units will receive essential foodstuffs, rice, beans and garri.

He commended the peaceful disposition of the people of his area, insisting that they were all happy that Governor Eno was interested in their well-being.

However, the benefiaries, including Mr. Nse Udo, a stroke victim from Ikot Ese village; Nene Effiong; and Ifiok Ekanem, commended the governor for what they described as a “timely response to the yearnings and aspirations of the poor households in Etim Ekpo LGA.”

“I want to sincerely thank the governor for his father’s gesture and keeping to his promise to always be on the side of the people as promised during his pre-election campaigns,” Nse stated.

Comrade Saviour Godwin, Youth President of Otu Ikot Onko, praised Governor Eno’s leadership and provision of healthcare and food.

The exercise continues in Okobo Local Government tomorrow.