Akwa Ibom State governor, Umo Eno, has launched free food programme and access voucher for the vulnerable to alleviate the prevailing hunger and poverty exacerbated by the current socio-economic travails in the country.
To complement the scheme, the governor, who performed the ceremony at the popular Itam International Market in Itu local government area, also announced the interest free loan wallet of N1.5 billion for traders and business owners across the three senatorial districts of Uyo, Ikot Ekpene and Eket, to be managed by the FADAMA Micro Finance Bank.
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The free food voucher for the vulnerable is a key component of the Bulk Purchases Agency (BPA) Bill that was signed into law last week, and the Board inaugurated by the governor.
“The key responsibility of the Agency, is to provide free staple food items : Garri, rice and beans to the most vulnerable through the Social Register (SR),” the governor explained.
He added that the intervention became necessary in order to alleviate the suffering of the people in this trying times.
Eno said: “We had reviewed all of the options, and this for us, remains the best. We are partnering with the market leaders and I want to thank them for the cooperation we have so far received from them.
“I have heard of how some of you go to some places to get loans with very high interest rates and that has made the cost of food to go up, and before you finish paying the loans, you cannot meet up with your market or trading obligations anymore.
“I have come to tell you not to take such loans anymore. Consequently, we are releasing five hundred million Naira interest-free loans to each of the three senatorial districts (1.5 billion Naira in total), to help your business.”
The governor also promised to construct a car park, provide solar panel light, modern toilet facilities, all of which were the prayers of the leadership of the Itam Market.
He, therefore, directed the transition chairmen of the remaining 29 councils, excluding Itu and Uyo LGAs, to ensure they launch the free voucher food programme next week.
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