The Akwa Ibom State government has augmented the 24,000 bags of rice donated by the Federal Government with an additional 24,000 bags to support more families in need.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Offiong Offor, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Uyo.
The state government’s move aims to mitigate hunger, food unavailability, and poverty, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 1. Each of the 2,272 gazetted villages in the state will receive 20 bags of rice, while over 100,000 families on the social register will also receive free food items.
The distribution of the Federal and State Governments’ food intervention will occur at Local Government Council Headquarters, with Council Chairmen ensuring safe transportation to each gazetted village. Dates for the distribution will be announced soon.
The Commissioner noted that the long-term solution to hunger and food insecurity is the Back to Farm Initiative, promoting local food production, and designating work-free farming days. The Ministry of Agriculture has implemented various strategic interventions, including distributing cassava cuttings, maize grains, pepper seedlings, and coconut seedlings to schools, as well as livestock and poultry supplies to farmers.
The government has also provided livelihood grants to 1,560 beneficiaries and agricultural inputs and services to 900 farmers under the AKCARES Scheme. This intervention aims to reduce extreme hunger and poverty, making food availability, affordability, and security a priority for the administration.
