(COOPA)
The Akwa Ibom State Government has unveiled measures to address the pressing issue of hunger and food insufficiency in the state.
According to the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. (Mrs.) Offiong Offor, the state is facing a significant developmental challenge due to macro-economic factors.
She disclosed that Governor Eno has taken a proactive approach to address the situation, augmenting the federal government’s donation of 24,000 bags of rice with an additional 24,000 bags.
This initiative, the Commissioner said aims to reach more families with much-needed support.
“Governor Eno has expressed his profound appreciation to the Federal Government for their care and responsiveness during this critical time,” Dr. Offor noted.
Offor noted that the state government’s food intervention will ensure that each of the 2,272 gazetted villages in the state receives 20 bags of rice.
“This is in addition to the over 100,000 families from the social register who have already received or will soon receive free food items from the state government”
She emphasized that this intervention aims to mitigate the hardship faced by citizens, reducing extreme hunger and poverty in line with Sustainable Development Goal 1.
The commissioner stressed that food availability, affordability, and security are a priority for the administration, as a hungry populace can lead to unrest.
To address this, the state government has launched the Back to Farm Initiative, promoting local food production. Additionally, the first and third Fridays of the month have been designated as work-free farming days.
Dr. Offor highlighted the importance of creative thinking and taking responsibility in addressing the current challenges.
Present during the briefing were the Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong, Commissioner for Economic Development, Mr. Emem Bob, Chairman of Bulk Purchase Agency, Rt. Hon. Dan Akpan, Media Consultant to the Governor, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, NUJ Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk, members of the NUJ and members of the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA).
