Inmates of the QIC Leprosy Hospital in Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have benefited from the fourth phase of the ARISE Free Food Security Programme, with the state government delivering 200 bags of rice and beans to the facility.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, disclosed this on Friday, September 4, 2026, during a visit to the hospital at Ekpene Obom, where she was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Eno Akpan.
Ibanga said the food items were delivered directly to the facility to ease the transportation difficulties that inmates, particularly persons with disabilities, could face in accessing designated distribution centres across the state.
She explained that the ARISE Free Food Security Programme, initiated by Governor Umo Eno, was designed to cushion the impact of economic hardship by providing food assistance to vulnerable citizens across Akwa Ibom’s 31 Local Government Areas.
According to her, the decision to deliver the allocation directly to the hospital reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that vulnerable persons are not left behind in government interventions.
The Commissioner assured the inmates that the Ministry would continue to visit and support them, while urging the hospital management to ensure equitable distribution of the 200 bags of rice and beans among beneficiaries.
She noted that matters concerning persons with disabilities are domiciled in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, stressing the government’s commitment to inclusive humanitarian interventions.
Ibanga also reminded the beneficiaries that Governor Eno had declared September as the Month of Gratitude, urging them to use the period to appreciate God for His faithfulness and the blessings recorded in Akwa Ibom State.
Welcoming the delegation, the Secretary of the QIC Leprosy Hospital, Elder Etorobong Inok, expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for remembering the inmates, describing the donation as timely relief and appealing for additional support to the facility.
In his goodwill message, the Governor’s Personal Assistant on Persons With Disabilities, Comrade Ubong Ikpe, said the intervention demonstrated the administration’s commitment to persons with disabilities and inclusive governance.
Ikpe explained that direct delivery was necessary because of the transportation challenges faced by the beneficiaries, urging the inmates to continue supporting the administration and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards to participate in forthcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Chairman of IDEA Cluster, Mr. Ntiedo Udo, commended Governor Eno for consistently including vulnerable and disadvantaged persons in government palliative programmes.
Udo appealed for the continued inclusion of the group in future interventions and assured the Governor of their support, while praying for God’s continued blessings upon him.
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