Home / News / Local / Akwa Ibom State launches agric-boost scheme, distributes farm inputs to local councils
Pastor Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom Governor

Akwa Ibom State launches agric-boost scheme, distributes farm inputs to local councils

No fewer than 12 Local Government Councils across the State have benefited from the Akwa Ibom State Government first batch of inputs distribution and back to farm initiative aimed at encouraging civil and public servants to be engaged in agriculture.

Marking the Farm Day at the Akwa Ibom State Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP) headquarters, Friday, May 17, 2024, the Commissioner for Agriculture & Rural Development, Dr. Offiong Offor, pointed out that Governor Umo Eno is passionate about agriculture, hence the declaration of every first and third Friday of the month as work free days, to enable workers to go back to their farms.

While emphasizing the importance of food in human development, Offor said the State government through the Ministry has taken another dimension to support Local Government Councils with inputs and added that, the Transition Chairmen of Councils were physically present at the event to show commitment to the success of the project.

She noted that the State’s Ministry of Agriculture & rural Development is committed to giving technical support through the extension agents in the Local Government areas.

She encouraged those who are faced with any challenges from planting to harvesting of the crops, to reach out to the Ministry in order to achieve a bountiful harvest.

The Commissioner appreciated the governor for the initiative, saying it is time to go back to the farm and assured that more improved varieties of inputs will be given to the LGAs, to boost food production.

“I count on the commitment of the Local Government Transition Chairmen that they’ll put the inputs to good use. The remaining Local Government Councils will receive the inputs in the next batch,” Offor stated.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong, reasoned that the direction the world is going today; everyone must go back to the farm to have enough food for their families.

Archibong, further stated that nature has endowed the State with arable land, and that therefore it is the responsibility of the people to cultivate the inputs given by the governor, to attain bountiful harvest for consumption and export.

“I stand here to thank the Governor for the improved inputs and also make a commitment that all the LG Transition Chairmen will cultivate the inputs. I want to use this opportunity to enjoin the Transition Chairmen to take this matter seriously,” he advised.

Setting the tone for the event, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Mary Ukoette Bassey, revealed that the gathering was the first batch of inputs distribution to 12 Local Government Councils for cultivation in the different domains.

Bassey appreciated the Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs for creating a bond among the Transition Chairmen as well as the Commissioner Agriculture & Rural Development for actualizing the vision of the governor.

She recalled that improved inputs have been distributed to public Schools, farming groups, Persons With Disabilities and that the day was the turn of Local Government Councils.

In his goodwill message, the Transition Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, commended the governor for the Agricultural revolution that he has launched in the State through the ARISE Agenda to provide food for the teeming population.

Udo, lauded the Commissioner for Agriculture & Rural Development for properly interpreting the State’ agricultural policies and gave assurance that they will support in translating the governor’s good intentions to reality.

The exercise featured the distribution of improved cassava cuttings to the benefiting LGAs. The beneficiaries include: Uyo, Udung Uko, Orue Offong Oruko, Etinan, Uruan, Ikono, Mkpat Enin, Ikot Ekpene, Oruk Anam, Nsit Ubium, Nsit Ibom and Ibiono Ibom LGAs.

About Global Patriot Staff

Check Also

Kenyan runner wins Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

By Olanrewaju Akojede Lagos, Feb. 15, 2025 Kenyan long distance runner, Edwin Kibet, on Saturday …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *