The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s ARISE Agenda commitment to mechanised farming, food security, and local economic empowerment, in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agriculture Agenda pillars of Food Security, Economic Growth, Job Creation, and Local Content Development.
During an inspection of two flagship agricultural projects, the State Agricultural Equipment Leasing Company in Uyo and the 50-hectare Ibom Model Farms in Nsit Ubium, the Governor underscored his determination to boost food production and strengthen food security.
At the Agricultural Equipment Leasing Company site in Ekpri Nsukaba, Governor Eno reviewed the ongoing development of a state-of-the-art facility, featuring machine sheds for tractors and modern farm equipment, a fully equipped maintenance and repair workshop, and a training centre for operators and technicians, targeted at providing farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to compete in a 21st-century smart agriculture economy.
Impressed with the pace and quality of work, he directed the State Ministry of Agriculture and the contractors to intensify efforts for an early launch and approved the immediate release of funds to fast-track completion.
When completed, the project will improve access to mechanised tools, minimise post-harvest losses, boost productivity, and advance national food security and subnational economic diversification targets.
Touring the expansive Ibom Model Farms agricultural hub, Governor Eno ordered contractors to accelerate work on the 7.5-kilometre farm roads and drainage channels to enhance accessibility and productivity.
To support the national vision of Local Content Promotion and Job Creation, while retaining economic value within communities, Eno instructed project managers to award at least 40 per cent of the new contracts to qualified companies from the project catchment area, Nsit Ubium, listed on the State’s procurement portal.
Governor Eno also directed the Ministry of Agriculture to employ permanent staff for daily farm maintenance, underscoring the importance of sustainability, a key principle under the Renewed Hope Agenda’s agricultural and employment strategies.
The Ibom Model Farms are positioned to become a catalyst for modern farming practices, community-based employment, and increased agricultural output, complementing both the State and Federal food security targets.
In addition, the Governor inspected ongoing developments at the Dakkada Luxury Estate, directing contractors to expedite the completion of roads, drainage systems, and other critical infrastructure, complementing national efforts to provide modern, functional, and inclusive housing for Nigeria’s growing population.
He tasked the Ministry of Lands with fast-tracking parcelisation for transparent plot allocation and reviewed plans for the construction of the House of Assembly quarters and Executive Council members’ residences within the estate.
Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver modern, well-planned housing that will enhance Akwa Ibom’s rapidly evolving urban landscape; a goal firmly in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s commitment to Urban Renewal, Liveable Smart Cities, good governance, accountability, transparency, and economic growth, while envisioning an economy that moves away from dependence on oil revenues.