The Akwa Ibom State Government has commenced the distribution of 15,000 10kg bags of rice donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation as part of its ongoing efforts to cushion the effects of economic hardship on vulnerable citizens.

The official flag-off ceremony took place on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the Women Development Centre, IBB Avenue, Uyo.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Umo Eno expressed gratitude to the Dangote Foundation for its timely intervention, describing it as a critical gesture that aligns with both federal and state efforts to alleviate poverty and hunger.

“This donation could not have come at a better time. Every bag of rice handed out today is more than food. it is a message of hope to struggling families across Akwa Ibom State. Government alone cannot bear this burden,” Governor Eno said.

The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga noted that the Foundation’s contribution complements the state’s Bulk Purchase Food Intervention Programme, which has already benefited over 477,000 households across the 31 Local Government Areas, and announced that the next phase of the state-led distribution exercise will commence in August.

He also lauded the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Social Investment Programme, particularly the Conditional Cash Transfer scheme, which has reached thousands of underserved Nigerians, including citizens of Akwa Ibom.

Reinforcing the need for sustainable solutions, Governor Eno called on citizens to embrace agriculture as a pathway to long-term food security and economic empowerment.

“We must grow what we eat. We must reclaim our land for productivity. A nation that can feed itself is a nation that can stand strong,” he declared.

Governor Eno also used the opportunity to appeal to other corporate bodies, philanthropic organizations, and private individuals to emulate the gesture of the Dangote Foundation by supporting ongoing humanitarian efforts in the state.

Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Eno Obareki, represented by Mrs. Selina Ukpatu, Member representing Eastern Obolo/Ikot Abasi in the State House of Assembly, praised the partnership as a major boost to the State government’s food security initiative.

In his remarks, Mr. Victor Ejiro, Head of Operations at the Aliko Dangote Foundation, emphasized that the donation was part of a broader national initiative to assist vulnerable communities. He commended the Umo Eno administration for its transparent and impactful humanitarian programmes, noting that the Foundation was proud to partner with the state.

Mrs. Eno Akpan, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, thanked the Foundation on behalf of the Ministry, stating that the food items would bring much-needed relief to many families.

In a goodwill message, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Akwa Ibom, who led other council chairmen to the event, assured that the rice would be distributed directly to the most vulnerable across the state’s LGAs.

Also present were representatives of vulnerable groups, including Comrade Ubong Ikpe, Personal Assistant to the Governor on Persons with Disabilities, who thanked both the State Government and the Dangote Foundation for their continued commitment to inclusive humanitarian support.

The event was well-attended by local government chairmen, aides to the Governor, ministry officials, and representatives of various community and interest groups.