Following the Bulk Agency Bill signed into law and the subsequent inauguration of its Board, Governor Umo Bassey Eno, has launched free food voucher programme for the citizens.
Hence, he has announced a release of N1.5billion free-interest-loan for traders in Akwa Ibom.
In addition, the Governor promised to construct a car park with solar panel light and modern toilet facilities.
Recall that In his inaugural address on May29. 2023, he clearly defined the direction of his government.
During the launching at Itam Market on Tuesday, he highlighted the need to bring governance closer to the people.
“To those who may not be able to put food on your table,” the Governor said he will be their advocate and champion.
Moreover, he explained to them that the key responsibility of Bulk Purchase Agency, is to provide free staple food items.
For instance, Garri, rice and beans to the most vulnerable through the Social Register.
“We had reviewed all of the options, and this for us, remains the best,” the Governor said.
“When leaders are faced with daunting social problems, they usually think outside of the box.”
He added: “that was what motivated me to set up the Bulk Purchase Agency and free food voucher drive initiative.”
“We are partnering with the market leaders of Itam Market as a result of their prayers,” said Eno.
While thanking them for the cooperation he said he has so far received from them. He said, he took him bold steps to grant their prayers.
Nevertheless, he warned that the free food voucher and Bulk Purchase Agency are strictly intervention programmes.
Accordingly, “Let me repeat here that this is purely an interventionist act.
“The solution to our food security remains the need for us to go back to the farm.”
The governor reiterated his administration commitment to support farmers in the state.
“I will continue to pay visits to farms run by both people in government and others.”
He discouraged the traders from taking loans with very high interest rates.
As such “I have come to tell you not to take such loans anymore.”
“Consequently, we are releasing N500 million interest -free loans to each of the three senatorial districts (N1.5 billion in total) to help your business.”
He announced that the fund would be managed by the Ibom Fadama Micro Finance Bank.
He explained that the announcement of the loan followed a rumor about how some of the traders go to some places to get loans with very high interest rates.
The governor alleged that the high cost of food was as a result of traders who took loan with high interest rate.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Ekerete Udoh, reported that the Governor directed the Transition Chairmen of the remaining 29 councils to ensure they launch the free voucher food program by next Tuesday.
Meanwhile, “This is rare to see in people occupying such an exalted office,” Hon. Anietie Eka, a political chieftain from Uyo local government area, observed.
He described the Governor as a leader with compassion.
Hon. Anietie also observed the palpable joy and happiness on the part of the recipients.
“This is an incredible people – oriented programme,” he said. This Governor is truly a Pastor.”
Furthermore, “Look at the Christ-like humility he has shown here. His humanitarian acts have defined him.”
The political chieftain also observed that he was standing right there, supervising the distribution of the food items; greeted and shook hands with the recipients.
As a result, recipients promised to standby and support the governor and pledged to pray for success of his administration.
The governor flanked by his Deputy Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, two Senators representing Akwa Ibom North East and South, Sen. Aniekan Bassey and Sen. Ekong Sampson respectively.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah and other top government officials also attended the launching ceremony.