August 16, 2025 – Akwa Ibom State Government has announced that preparations are complete for the commencement of the 3rd Phase of the ARISE Free Food Distribution under the ARISE Food Security Programme.
The exercise is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
According to the State Government, the initiative is spearheaded by Governor Pastor Umo Eno and implemented through the State Bulk Purchase Agency under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. It is designed to provide free food items to vulnerable citizens across the thirty-one Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State.
The government explained that this phase comes after the successful completion of Phases 1 and 2, which impacted a large number of households. “During the earlier phases, over 477,797 persons and households across the State benefited from the programme,” the official statement noted.
For the new phase, the distribution will begin with simultaneous visits to Oron Local Government Area and Udung Uko Local Government Area.
To ensure smooth operations, the government has set up two distribution teams, with each team assigned to one Local Government Area.
Food Vouchers have already been released to Ward Personal Assistants to the Governor. These vouchers will be shared with vulnerable persons and households carefully selected from the Social Register in each ward. The process, according to the State, is structured to ensure that those most in need are reached directly.
Local Government Chairmen have been urged to cooperate with the State Bulk Purchase Agency to guarantee orderliness and proper implementation of the exercise.
The government stressed that collaboration at the local level remains key to achieving success.
Beneficiaries have also been advised to be present at their designated distribution points on the scheduled date to collect their food items. “The State Government assures that all arrangements have been made to ensure a seamless and hitch-free process,” the statement added.
The ARISE Food Security Programme is a critical component of Governor Umo Eno’s administration, aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship while promoting the welfare of citizens. A detailed schedule of distribution has also been made available for public guidance.
Below is the schedule for the third phase of Arise Food Distribution Programme, which will take place every Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (from 20th August to 24th September, 2025):
1. Oron & Urue Offong/Oruko: Wednesday 20th August, 2025
2. Oruk Anam & Ukanafun: Friday, 22nd August, 2025
3. Itu & Ibiono Ibom: Monday, 25th August, 2025
4. Esit Eket & Nsit Ubium: Wednesday, 27th August, 2025
5. Ika & Etim Ekpo: Friday, 29th August, 2025
6. Etinan & Onna: Monday, 01st September, 2025
7. Mbo & Udung Uko: Wednesday, 3rd September, 2025
8. Essien Udim & Obot Akara: Friday, 05th September, 2025
9. Ibesikpo Asutan & Nsit Ibom: Monday, 08th September, 2025
10. Eastern Obolo & Mkpat Enin: Wednesday, 10th September, 2025
11. Ikono & Ini: Friday, 12th September, 2025
12. Uyo & Uruan: Monday, 15th September, 2025
13. Okobo & Nsit Atai: Wednesday, 17th September, 2025
14. Ikot Ekpene & Abak: Friday, 19th September, 2025
15. Eket & Ibeno: Monday, 22nd September, 2025
16. Ikot Abasi: Wednesday, 24th September, 2025
