… As Gov Eno Announces N1.5bn Interest-free Funds To Traders
By Bassey Nkponam
ITU
The Akwa Ibom government has flagged off the ARISE Food Security programme of the State Bulk Purchase Agency with the presentation of food vouchers to vulnerable persons from Itu and Uyo local government areas whose names are in the social register.
To drive the free food scheme in a transparent and accountable manner, the state government has also released 368 Android tablets pre-loaded with electronic version of the Social Register, per ward, in addition to the appointment of three senior special assistants for the three senatorial districts and 10 special assistants for the 10 federal constituencies to support and monitor the implementation of the food programme for its success, among other duties.
The state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who flagged off the scheme, Tuesday, at Etaha Itam Market,also announcedN1.5billion interest-free fund to support traders in the three senatorial districts of the State, while also pronouncing the take-off of Farmers -with -Swags initiative for students as part of the Back to Farm Initiative.
Eno described the scheme as Akwa Ibom’s new deal and an intervention aimed at mitigating and bringing down the high cost of staple food items, such as garri, rice and beans that presently appear to be beyond the reach of the most vulnerable.
“What is important is that we must have a way of sustaining this programme because all of us will go back to the farm”, he said and commended members of the committee for working tirelessly to interpret his vision in the programme, saying, without their sacrifice, the flag off would not have been possible, advising them against replication of the food vouchers, as its faking will not be possible.
“Let no one make that mistake that these vouchers can be replicated. You will not be able to fake this one. If we catch you doing that, you have committed an offence. These vouchers are printed by the Nigeria Printing and Minting Company and it is just money you have in your hand.
“So, when they give you the voucher, please go to the markets. The agents will check the originality of the voucher, and give you the food. Each of the items, garri, rice and beans will be 5kg.Whatever voucher you have.Nothing guarantees that you will have the three vouchers at once. Whichever one you have, you can take it to the market. They will weigh either garri, rice or beans and you ensure that it is 5kg and collect it.
“Please note, for those of you who want to be part of this programme as a business, you must have your own scale. Don’t use cup to measure for anyone because we are not sure of the cup you want to use. Weigh it on a scale, and if you don’t have scale, then know that you are not qualified to be our agent. What is important is that we must have a way of sustaining this programme because all of us will go back to the farm”, the governor said.
Governor Eno directed the transition committee chairmen of the remaining 29 councils to ensure they launch the free voucher food programme by Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
He thanked the State House of Assembly, through the Speaker, for the passage of the bill recently signed into law by the state government.
On the interest free loan earmarked for traders in the State, Governor Eno said the programme will be managed by the Ibom Fadama Micro Finance Bank.
“I have heard of how some of you go to some places to get loans with very high interest rates and that has made the cost of food to go up, and before you finish paying the loans, you cannot meet up with your market or trading obligations anymore.
“I have come to tell you not to take such loans anymore. Consequently, we are releasing five hundred million Naira interest-free loans to each of the three senatorial districts, to help your business”,Eno said and promised to construct a car park, provide solar panel light and modern toilet facilities, at the Etaha Itam Market.
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