Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has launched a significant initiative aimed at empowering farmers across the state’s three Senatorial districts, distributing 12,000 bags of fertilizers and improved seedlings to enhance agricultural production.
During the kickoff of the 2024 second planting season in Uruan Local Government Area, Eno expressed his administration’s dedication to transforming agriculture into a viable business opportunity for the youth. He emphasized the importance of local food production, stating that with the state’s abundant agricultural resources, residents should at least grow their own food.
The governor recognized the efforts of the Commissioner for Agriculture and the entire ministry for their unwavering commitment to realizing the government’s agricultural vision through the provision of essential farming inputs, seedlings, and tools that promise a fruitful harvest in the upcoming season.
He also praised the collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, which has ensured the availability of vital inputs for local farmers. Eno announced that mechanized farming equipment will soon be accessible to farmers, stressing that the state would focus on supporting genuine farmers while preventing misallocation of resources to unqualified individuals.
“In today’s distribution, we are providing 12,000 bags of fertilizer to all local governments, along with 10,000 cassava cuttings, 20,000 improved oil palm seedlings, and 5,000 trays of pepper seedlings,” Eno detailed.
He highlighted the importance of including students in agricultural activities, advocating a return to the school farming practices of the past. “Regardless of your profession, everyone should consider maintaining a garden at home,” Eno stated, further proclaiming the first and third Fridays of each month as official farm days to encourage civil servants to engage in farming.
The governor concluded by thanking various stakeholders in the agricultural sector for their participation and directed the Commissioner for Agriculture to ensure necessary support reaches the state’s genuine farmers.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture acknowledged the governor’s initiatives aimed at achieving food self-sufficiency for the growing population of Akwa Ibom and assured of the ministry’s commitment to driving this vision forward.
