The Akwa Ibom State government has reported significant progress in its social protection initiatives, with the ARISE Free Food Security Programme reaching 833,481 households across the state's 31 Local Government Areas. This disclosure was made by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, during the Ministerial Media Briefing at Akpan Isemin Hall, Government House, Uyo. The programme is part of the state's broader strategy to provide relief to vulnerable residents.
In addition to the food security programme, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has completed and handed over 461 homes to vulnerable families under the ARISE Compassionate Homes Initiative. Each beneficiary of the homes received a ₦500,000 business grant to support livelihood recovery and improve household economic resilience. This initiative aims to support the most vulnerable members of society and help them recover from difficult circumstances.
The ARISE Elderly Initiative has also made a significant impact, with 12,000 elderly persons benefiting from the programme within 20 months. Furthermore, 1,481 senior citizens have been registered under the State Health Insurance Scheme, ensuring they have access to necessary healthcare services. The state government has prioritized the welfare of senior citizens, recognizing their contributions to society.
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has also focused on supporting Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). A total of 243 students have benefited from the ₦100 million Disability Education Fund, while 1,287 PWDs have been enrolled in the ARISE Health Insurance Scheme. The state has also received 444 mobility and assistive devices, comprising 263 wheelchairs and 181 assistive walking devices, through partnerships with development organisations.
To improve access to assistive devices, the ministry has established an Assistive Device Clinic, which operates on the second and fourth Thursday of every month. The clinic assesses beneficiaries and provides devices suited to their individual needs. This initiative ensures that PWDs have access to the necessary tools to improve their quality of life.
The Conditional Cash Transfer Programme has also been successful, with 101,266 vulnerable households benefiting from the programme between 2024 and 2026. Each household received ₦75,000 to support their livelihoods. The ministry has also expanded its interventions to youth empowerment through entrepreneurship training, cash support, equipment, mini-buses, and other livelihood assistance.
The Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, has highlighted the administration's emphasis on reaching vulnerable residents with measurable interventions. The Ministerial Media Briefing Series aims to provide the public with factual information on the performance of the administration across sectors under the ARISE Agenda. The state government remains committed to sustaining transparency in beneficiary identification and ensuring that interventions translate into lasting improvements in the lives of the people.
Key points
- 833,481 households benefited from the ARISE Free Food Security Programme.
- 461 vulnerable families received completed homes and ₦500,000 business grants each.
- 12,000 elderly persons benefited from the ARISE Elderly Initiative in 20 months.
