IKOT ABASI, AKWA IBOM — The Chairman of Uwem Sunday James Foundation (USJF), Uwem Sunday James, PHF, has commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for its sustained intervention to cushion the economic difficulties faced by families across the state through the Free Food Distribution Programme.
Uwem Sunday James gave the commendation after he was on ground in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, yesterday, to witness the distribution of relief materials under Phase 4 of the Akwa Ibom State Government’s Free Food Distribution Programme, which brought the intervention to the conclusion of its rollout across the state’s 31 Local Government Areas.
The Phase 4 exercise in Ikot Abasi featured the distribution of 7,000 bags of rice and beans to families and beneficiaries at the Local Government Secretariat Complex, providing direct food support to households at a time when many families continue to contend with rising living costs.
Speaking on the significance of the exercise, Uwem Sunday James described the intervention as a demonstration of government’s responsibility to respond to the immediate welfare needs of its citizens.
He noted that the impact of the programme went beyond the physical distribution of food items, stressing that every bag of rice and beans represented relief, hope and support for a family.
According to him, the decision of the state government to sustain the programme across all 31 Local Government Areas demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that vulnerable citizens are not left behind.
Uwem Sunday James particularly commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Ph.D., for initiating and sustaining the Free Food Distribution Programme, describing it as a laudable people-oriented intervention.
He said the programme reflects the Governor’s commitment to improving the welfare of the people and providing practical interventions to cushion the effects of prevailing economic challenges.
“When government acts for the people and individuals and organisations support such efforts, we move closer to the society we all desire,” Uwem said.
USJF Pledges Support for People-Centred Government Initiatives
The USJF Chairman further stated that the foundation would continue to support initiatives capable of improving the lives of citizens and contributing to the development of a better society.
He explained that the foundation’s philosophy is anchored on supporting humanity, identifying with people in need and contributing to initiatives that promote social wellbeing.
Uwem Sunday James said the foundation would therefore continue to identify with and support government programmes that have a direct and positive impact on the people.
He stressed that government cannot work in isolation, noting that individuals, foundations, community organisations and other stakeholders also have important roles to play in complementing public-sector interventions.
According to him, the presence of the foundation at the distribution exercise was not merely symbolic but reflected its commitment to supporting programmes that place the welfare of the people at the centre of governance.
Commends Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner
Uwem Sunday James also commended the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Emem Ibanga, for her dedication to the implementation and coordination of the programme.
He acknowledged the Commissioner’s role in ensuring that the intervention was successfully taken to communities across the state, culminating in its rollout in all 31 Local Government Areas.
He said the successful statewide implementation demonstrated effective coordination and commitment to the humanitarian objectives of the programme.
The USJF Chairman equally appreciated the officials and stakeholders who contributed to the smooth execution of the exercise, particularly those involved in the logistics and distribution process.
Commends Bulk Purchase Agency
Uwem extended his commendation to the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, led by Hon. Unyime Etim, for its contribution to the success of the food distribution programme.
He acknowledged the importance of the agency’s role in the procurement and supply chain supporting the intervention, noting that effective logistics and coordination are critical to ensuring that relief materials reach intended beneficiaries.
He said the collaborative efforts of government agencies and officials demonstrated what could be achieved when institutions work collectively towards a common humanitarian objective.
Applauds Ikot Abasi Council Chairman
At the local government level, Uwem commended the Chairman of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Hon. Ime Williamson Essien, for his leadership and cooperation during the distribution exercise.
The Council Chairman had earlier expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for the intervention, describing the initiative as a great gesture to the people.
He also noted that the exercise represented the fourth phase of the programme, describing the continuity of the intervention as an indication of purposeful and consistent leadership.
Uwem said the cooperation of the local government administration was important to ensuring that the distribution exercise was conducted smoothly and that beneficiaries received the intended support.
Food Intervention Reaches All 31 LGAs
The Ikot Abasi exercise marked another milestone in the State Government’s Free Food Distribution Programme, with the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Emem Ibanga, confirming that the rollout had covered all 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State.
The programme is designed to provide food relief to households and vulnerable members of the population while complementing other government interventions aimed at cushioning economic pressures.
For Uwem Sunday James, the completion of the statewide rollout provides an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the importance of sustained humanitarian interventions and collective responsibility in building a resilient society.
He maintained that interventions such as the food distribution programme become more meaningful when they translate into tangible assistance for ordinary families.
Commitment to a Better Society
The Chairman of Uwem Sunday James Foundation reiterated the organisation’s commitment to initiatives that promote human welfare, social responsibility and community development.
He said USJF would continue to support programmes and causes that seek to improve the quality of life of the people, particularly initiatives that provide practical assistance to families and vulnerable members of society.
Uwem stressed that building a better society requires collective action, with government, private organisations, foundations and individuals contributing according to their capacities.
He expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among stakeholders would continue to produce interventions capable of improving the welfare of Akwa Ibom people.
The Chairman thanked the state government and all officials involved in the programme for the successful completion of the statewide food distribution exercise, expressing hope that the intervention would bring meaningful relief to the families who benefited.
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