Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has empowered farmers across the state’s three Senatorial districts with 12,000 bags of fertilizers and improved seedlings to enhance agricultural productivity. The initiative was announced during the flag-off of the 2024 second planting season in Uruan Local Government Area on Thursday.
Governor Eno emphasized his administration’s commitment to revolutionizing agriculture, making it an attractive and viable business for young people. He pointed out that with Akwa Ibom’s fertile land, it is vital for residents to at least cultivate what they consume, underscoring the importance of self-sufficiency.
He praised the efforts of the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, and the Ministry of Agriculture for their dedication to realizing the government’s agricultural vision. Through the provision of farm inputs such as fertilizers, improved seedlings, and essential tools, the state is well-positioned for a bountiful harvest in the coming season.
Governor Eno also expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for partnering with the state to ensure access to fertilizers, seedlings, and other vital farm inputs. Additionally, he revealed that mechanized farming equipment would soon be available to support farmers, stressing that only genuine farmers would receive state support, preventing resources from being misallocated to “portfolio farmers.”
He stated, “Today, we are distributing 12,000 bags of fertilizer across all local governments, 10,000 cassava cuttings, 20,000 improved oil palm seedlings from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), 5,000 trays of pepper seedlings, and other agricultural resources.”
Governor Eno further highlighted the importance of engaging young people in agriculture, recalling the days when school farms provided food for students. He advocated for the revival of such practices and encouraged children to develop a love for agriculture early in life. He also called on every individual, regardless of profession, to cultivate a garden at home, stating that food security begins with personal responsibility.
In a unique move, the governor announced the declaration of the first and third Fridays of every month as “farm days,” allowing civil servants to focus on farming as a productive hobby.
Governor Eno acknowledged the dedication of stakeholders in the agricultural sector, who overcame various challenges to attend the flag-off, and instructed Commissioner Offor to ensure continued support for legitimate farmers across the state.
Earlier, Dr. Offor applauded the governor for his proactive steps toward achieving food security for the growing population of Akwa Ibom, assuring that the Ministry of Agriculture is fully committed to driving this vision to success.