In line with the Agricultural Revolution component of the ARISE Agenda, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has presented twelve thousand (12,000) bags of fertilizer and improved seedlings for distribution to farmers across the state.
Governor Eno made the presentation while flagging off the 2024 second planting season in Uruan Local Government Area, as part of events marking the 37th anniversary of the state’s creation.
The Governor reiterated the commitment of his administration to elevate agriculture to a level where young people see farming as a business.
He noted that the state is blessed with favorable vegetation, good weather, road networks, and security—all of which are enablers for farmers. He added that it is inexcusable for anyone not to plant, at the very least, what they consume.
The Governor, who is himself a farmer, maintained that the free food initiative is only an intervention and not a sustainable solution. He added that the lasting solution to hunger is a return to farming.
He commended the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, and the entire ministry for their passion in driving the Agricultural Revolution vision of the administration through the provision of farm inputs, seedlings, fertilizers, and other tools that will ensure a bountiful harvest in the next season.
The Governor also applauded the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for partnering with the state to ensure that fertilizers, seedlings, and other farm inputs are available. He urged everyone to take advantage of the second planting season to return to farming and collectively bring down the cost of food by producing what is consumed within the state.
He noted that soon, machinery for mechanized farming will be available for farmers, adding that the state will continue to support genuine farmers and that resources will no longer be diverted to portfolio farmers.
Recounting some steps already taken toward achieving an Agricultural Revolution, the Governor mentioned the ongoing Ibom Integrated Farm, the sponsorship of Akwa Ibomites to Cotonou to train in the rudiments of modern farming techniques, the sponsorship of others to the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Center, and more.
According to him, “Today, we have for distribution twelve thousand (12,000) bags of fertilizer that will be distributed to all local governments. We also have ten thousand (10,000) cassava cuttings, twenty thousand (20,000) improved oil palm seedlings from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), five thousand (5,000) trays of pepper seedlings, and others.
“I love that we have involved our students in agriculture. When we were in school, we had school farms where we harvested most of what we cooked and ate. We believe it’s time to return to such practices and encourage our children to fall in love with agriculture from an early age.
“It doesn’t matter your status—whether you are an engineer, doctor, or entrepreneur—so long as you can eat, there is a need to have at least a garden in your house. Above all, we have declared the first and third Fridays of every month as farm days, freeing civil servants to work on their farms. We can make this a hobby. We can all own farms,” he added.
The Governor appreciated different stakeholders in the agricultural sector, especially the Paramount Ruler of Onna, His Royal Highness, Edidem Raymond Inyang, for defying all challenges to attend the flag-off. He directed the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offor, to ensure that necessary support is provided to the paramount ruler’s farm to boost harvest.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, commended the Governor for his strides in enhancing food sufficiency for the teeming population of Akwa Ibom State and assured everyone of the ministry’s readiness to drive the vision to success.
On her part, the Transition Committee Chairman of Uruan LGA, Evang. Uduak Daniel Udoenang, said the area is blessed with both land and water, which have high agricultural value. She assured the state government that they are willing and ready to provide land for agriculture.
Other stakeholders in the sector, including the Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association, Prof. Etim Ituen, and the Managing Director of Vika Farms, Dr. Asikpo Essien-Ibok, represented by Hon. Uwem Ita Etuk, also applauded the Governor for this wonderful initiative, noting that it is an unprecedented gesture that will help reduce the food crisis in the state, especially in rural areas.
