The Federal Government has intensified efforts to combat hunger in Nigeria through various initiatives and support programs.
Now, the Akwa Ibom State government has supplemented the FG donation of 24,000 bags of rice with an additional 24,000 bags weighing 25kg each to fight hunger in the country
This is aimed at extending support to more families in need across the state.
Dr. Offiong Offor, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, announced this during a press briefing at the NIJ Secretariat in Uyo on Friday.
She stated that the governor’s initiative is intended to alleviate widespread hunger, food scarcity, and poverty.
Rather than focusing on assigning blame, Governor Umo Eno has emphasized the importance of innovative approaches to lift people out of poverty and foster developmental initiatives.
FG Distribution of Rice
Offiong explained that each of the 2,272 rural villages in the state will receive 20 bags of rice.
Adding that the over 100,000 families from the social register who have already received or will soon receive free food items from the state government through the Bulk Purchase Agency would be captured.
She further explained that the distribution of the Federal and State Governments’ food intervention will occur at Local Government Council Headquarters.
From where Council Chairmen will ensure the safe transportation of the 20 bags to each rural village.
Furthermore, she added that distribution dates will be announced soon.
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The statement partly read: “We are currently facing a significant developmental challenge: hunger caused by food insufficiency, unavailability, and inflation.
“This issue, a direct result of macro-economic factors, poses a challenge to both federal and state governments.
Fight Against Hunger
“This intervention aims to mitigate the hardship currently faced by our citizens.
“Also the reducing extreme hunger and poverty in line with Sustainable Development Goal 1.
“A hungry populace can lead to unrest, making food availability, affordability, and security a priority for this administration.”
The Commissioner also noted that the long-term solution to hunger and food insecurity by this administration is the Back to Farm Initiative
Which help in promoting local food production, and designating the first and third Fridays of the month as work-free farming days.
She said: “The Ministry of Agriculture has implemented several strategic interventions, including distributing cassava cuttings, maize grains, pepper seedlings, and coconut seedlings to 135 public primary and secondary schools.”
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