The Akwa Ibom State Government has said its sustained humanitarian interventions under the ARISE Agenda have continued to improve the welfare of vulnerable citizens, with over 650,000 households benefiting from various support programmes across the State.
The Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, disclosed this during a Joint Ministerial Briefing held in Uyo to mark the third anniversary of the administration of Governor Umo Eno.
Addressing newsmen, Umanah said the administration has remained faithful to its people-oriented governance philosophy by implementing large-scale humanitarian initiatives targeted at widows, senior citizens, vulnerable families and low-income households.
According to him, “The administration of Governor Umo Eno remains committed to a governance model that places people at the centre of development. Our humanitarian interventions are designed to ensure that the most vulnerable members of society feel the impact of government.”
The Commissioner highlighted the establishment of the Senator Oluremi Tinubu ARISE Senior Citizens Home, describing it as a landmark project aimed at providing healthcare, recreation and welfare services for elderly citizens.
He revealed that through the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly, the government has provided one-off grants of ₦50,000 to senior citizens in all 31 local government areas of the State.
“Through the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly, we have provided financial support to over 12,000 senior citizens across the State. This is in addition to the construction of the Senator Oluremi Tinubu ARISE Senior Citizens Home, which offers healthcare, recreation and welfare services for our elderly population,” he said.
Umanah also spoke on the progress recorded under the ARISE Compassionate Homes Programme, noting that the initiative has provided decent housing for widows, indigent citizens and vulnerable families.
“The ARISE Compassionate Homes Programme has become a symbol of hope for widows, vulnerable families and indigent citizens. Out of the 500 homes planned under the programme, 455 have already been completed and handed over to beneficiaries,” he stated.
On food security, the Commissioner disclosed that the government has continued to cushion the effects of economic hardship through the distribution of staple food items under the ARISE Food Security Programme, implemented through the Bulk Purchase Agency.
“We recognise the economic realities facing many households. That is why the government has sustained free food distribution through the ARISE Food Security Programme, with over 650,000 households benefiting from the intervention across the State,” he said.
He maintained that the humanitarian programmes reflect Governor Umo Eno’s vision of inclusive development and compassionate governance.
“His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, believes that development must be inclusive and compassionate. These interventions demonstrate our resolve to ensure that no Akwa Ibom person is left behind in our march towards shared prosperity under the ARISE Agenda,” Umanah added.
The Commissioner reiterated the administration’s commitment to expanding its social welfare programmes, stressing that the government would continue to prioritise the needs of vulnerable citizens as part of its broader development agenda.
“The true measure of governance is the impact it has on the lives of the people. We are proud that through these humanitarian programmes, thousands of families have received shelter, food, financial support and renewed hope for a better future,” he said.
