Nigeria, March 28 -- Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has launched a free food programme for the vulnerable people of the state.

The new programme, meant to cushion the biting effects of the economic hardship across Nigeria, replaces the yet-to-take-off policy of subsidising food items earlier announced by his administration.

Addressing the people during the programme launch on Tuesday at Itam Market, a popular local market in Uyo, Governor Eno said the programme will provide food for the people in the rural communities.

The event was live streamed on Facebook.

Mr Eno likened the policy to the "New Deal," an intervention programme introduced by former US President Franklin Roosevelt between 1933 and 1939, to bring economic relief t...