The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has launched a tree crop revolution initiative with the procurement of 620,000 oil palm seedlings for distribution to farmers across the state.
The launch, held at the newly revamped Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP) in Uyo, forms part of the Agricultural Revolution component of the ARISE Agenda aimed at boosting food security, rural prosperity and economic growth.
Speaking at the event, Governor Eno described oil palm as a historic source of wealth and identity for the people of the state.
“Oil palm in this region, particularly in Akwa Ibom State, was more than a crop. It was a symbol of wealth, heritage, enterprise and community life. Today, we are returning to our generational lifestyle because oil palm has always been a major resource and source of our forefathers’ wealth,” he said.
The Governor stated that the state was determined to reclaim its place in the global oil palm market through aggressive cultivation across communities.
“The global oil palm market is worth about 70 billion dollars, and we want Akwa Ibom to tap into that market. We are well positioned to do so. Oil palm has always been part of the identity of Akwa Ibom people. It created generational wealth for our people and enabled many families to train their children in school.
“We are returning to it as part of our agricultural revolution to ensure that we create sustainable wealth for households and future generations,” he stated.
Governor Eno disclosed that farmers selected for the programme had been profiled, with 500 households drawn from each local government area for effective monitoring and implementation.
“Three years from now, you will begin to harvest and become millionaires. Through this programme, we are placing significant wealth in your hands to grow and prosper,” the Governor said.
He urged residents to embrace the initiative as a pathway to economic empowerment.
“Anybody willing to work will certainly have something meaningful to do and live well with his or her family,” he emphasised.
Governor Eno also commended the partnership between the state government and the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) for ensuring the supply of high-quality seedlings.
Speaking on the rehabilitation of AKADEP, the Governor noted that the facility had previously been abandoned and appreciated the Direct Labour Committee for restoring the centre.
He reiterated that his administration would continue to revive economically viable projects abandoned by previous governments.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Offiong Offor, commended the Governor’s investments in agriculture.
“Your Excellency, thank you for the ₦2 billion Traders’ Grant, the Schools Agricultural Programme, the reactivation of AKADEP, the Back-to-Farm Initiative, and other agricultural support projects for the benefit of our people,” she said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Uyo Local Government Area and State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Dr Uwemedimo Udo, described the initiative as transformative.
“Palm oil production used to be the mainstay of the Nigerian economy in the 18th and 19th centuries. This is a bold initiative by Your Excellency to reposition and recalibrate the trajectory of oil palm production in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
“Apart from launching the tree crop revolution, you have also repositioned the physical infrastructure of AKADEP to support the activities that will emerge from here. We will support the agricultural revolution across our various local government areas,” he said.
He assured the Governor of the support of local government chairmen towards the success of the initiative.
Earlier, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIFOR, Dr Gold Leonard Isona, described the programme as a major step towards sustainable development.
He said the event was “not just a ceremony, but a visionary move towards sustainable independence, food security and rural prosperity”.
The Paramount Ruler of Uyo, Edidem Sylvanus Okon, also commended the Governor’s investment in agriculture and pledged the support of the traditional institution for the programme.
The initiative complements the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on agriculture, economic diversification and food security by promoting large-scale oil palm cultivation, creating sustainable livelihoods and strengthening rural economies.
Stakeholders say the programme will boost local production, reduce dependence on imports, generate employment opportunities and reposition Nigeria towards achieving long-term food security and agricultural self-sufficiency.
