Governor Umo Eno Launches Akwa Ibom Palliative Rice Distribution, Warns Against Misappropriation
Governor Umo Eno Initiates Rice Sharing in Ikot Ekpene Udo and Urges FG to Release Remaining Palliatives Funds
Governor Umo Eno commenced the distribution of rice at the State Government Cassava Processing Warehouse in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nist Ubium Local Government Area (LGA). He revealed that the state had received only N2 billion of the N5 billion Federal Government (FG) palliatives fund, with the remaining N3 billion urgently needed for the full implementation of the program. He emphasized that part of the N2 billion was provided as a loan to the state, which would need to be repaid.
Governor Eno emphasized the importance of ensuring that the palliatives reached the intended beneficiaries and cautioned against any misappropriation. He encouraged the Palliatives Committee to handle the funds responsibly and reminded them that giving to others is a blessed act.
In terms of cost breakdown, Governor Eno stated that the N2 billion from the FG would cover 50,000 bags of rice, and the state had contributed an additional N2 billion to provide a total of 100,000 bags. Furthermore, around N2 billion had been allocated for gratuity payments to support retirees as part of the efforts to mitigate the effects of the subsidy removal.
“We have released another N1Bn for bursary for our students in public tertiary institutions. The money is there. As we do verification, we will pay. A Special Palliative Account that can be audited has been created.
“When you add the cash award that we are giving to about 53,000 workers in this state for three months, about N2Bn again, add the Happy Friday Free Transport Ticket to market women for the next three months, you see that this government (state) has spent well over N5Bn to support this Palliatives.”
Each of the 2272 villages in Akwa Ibom state is expected get 40 bags of rice to spread among the poorest of the poor while provisions have also been made for specific organisations, including security agencies in effort to spread the palliatives as fair as possible.
The governor proceeded from the flag off to commission internal roads completed at the Akpahandem Market in Uyo and did groundbreaking for Arise City Estate at Mbierebe Akpanwat, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA as events for his 100 Days In Office kick off.
