Gov. Eno’s compassionate leadership shines as 7,000 Onna residents receive food support

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Thousands of vulnerable residents, including persons with disabilities (PWDs), in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have expressed profound appreciation to Governor Umo Eno following the distribution of free food items under the fourth phase of the ARISE Food Security Programme.

The beneficiaries, drawn from the 15 wards of the local government area, described the intervention as a timely response to the prevailing economic challenges facing many households, saying it has brought much-needed relief to indigent families across the council.

The distribution exercise, held at the Onna Local Government Council Secretariat, attracted hundreds of beneficiaries, community leaders, government officials and stakeholders who monitored the process to ensure transparency, accountability and orderly conduct.

Speaking on behalf of the Association of Persons with Disabilities in Onna, Mr. Thompson Ekpenya commended Governor Eno for ensuring that persons with disabilities were included among the beneficiaries of the programme.

He described the Governor’s gesture as evidence of his compassion and commitment to improving the welfare of the poor and vulnerable.

“We sincerely thank the Governor for the food he has given to us. We pray that God will continue to bless him abundantly for remembering the vulnerable in our community,” Ekpenya said.

Another beneficiary, Mr. Friday Richard, said the intervention would significantly reduce the burden on struggling families, especially in the face of current economic realities.

Similarly, Mr. Solomon Joshua praised the Governor for demonstrating genuine concern for vulnerable members of society, describing the food distribution programme as another reflection of his compassionate and people-oriented leadership.

Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of Onna Local Government Area, Hon. Kufre Umoren, applauded Governor Eno for sustaining people-focused policies that continue to improve the lives of residents across Akwa Ibom State.

According to him, the Governor has consistently demonstrated exceptional compassion and dedication to the welfare of the people through impactful programmes and interventions.

“I am grateful to the State Governor who has shown that he is indeed a true leader. A man who is so consistent in what he is doing is a true leader. A man who is full of compassion is a true leader. In the whole country, I would say Governor Eno is the most compassionate leader,” Umoren stated.

The council chairman disclosed that 7,000 vulnerable residents from the 15 wards of Onna were captured in the programme and assured beneficiaries that everyone listed would receive food items.

“When they say one person cannot cook for the whole community, I think that saying is beginning to be countered because the Governor has cooked for the whole state,” he remarked.

He urged beneficiaries to remain orderly throughout the exercise, assuring them that every registered beneficiary would receive bags of rice and beans.

Hon. Umoren also thanked Governor Eno for bringing the intervention to Onna and for the confidence reposed in him to serve as chairman of the local government, describing the initiative as another demonstration of the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and social welfare.

Also speaking, the General Manager of the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, Hon. Unyime Etim, commended Governor Eno for sustaining the ARISE Food Security Programme despite prevailing economic difficulties.

He explained that beneficiaries were selected from the State Social Register, stressing the importance of participating in government data collection and enumeration exercises.

“The names of beneficiaries were harvested from the State Social Register. This should encourage people to always be part of government initiatives whenever they are brought to their communities,” he said.

Etim further appealed to beneficiaries to cooperate with officials to ensure a seamless, transparent and hitch-free distribution process.

The fourth phase of the ARISE Food Security Programme has continued to provide critical support to vulnerable households across Akwa Ibom State, reinforcing Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to cushioning the effects of economic hardship through targeted social intervention programmes.

The exercise in Onna concluded peacefully, with beneficiaries receiving bags of rice and beans under the supervision of government officials, security personnel, community leaders and ward representatives, who ensured fairness and accountability throughout the distribution process.