Akwa Ibom Government Urges Youths To Develop Passion for Agriculture

The Akwa Ibom State Government has urged Nigerian youths to shun undue political activism and involvement in crimes to develop passion for agriculture for the benefit of the country.

Specifically, the Deputy Governor of the state, Moses Ekpo, stated this at a two-day South-South Zonal Sensitisation Workshop on “Implementation of Food Systems Transformation Pathways” in Uyo.

Speaking, he noted that under the leadership of Gov. Udom Emmanuel, the state had prioritised agriculture as the mainstay of its rural economy, adding that it has revolutionised the sector through the establishment of a coconut refinery and cocoa fermentation and drying centre.

Represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ekikere Umoh, the Deputy Governor called on the participants to consider the issue of accessibility of food and nutrition to increased consumption of diverse, nutritious and safe foods as a motivation to engage in agriculture.

On his part, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Offiong Offor, explained that the workshop was a follow-up to the United Nations call for effective and feasible pathways to sustainable, resilient and equitable food systems in Nigeria. According to her, the development would foster understanding and appreciation of the responsibilities of all towards food sufficiency.

Also, the commissioner lauded the state government for giving agriculture its rightful place in the state as exemplified in the distribution of farm inputs, interest-free loans, capacity development workshops and other numerous assistance to farmers.

“The State Government has ensured value addition by the establishment of agro-based industries for the production of virgin coconut oil, processing of rice, flour, among others,” Offor added.

The commissioner encouraged participants to understand that agriculture plays a vital role in poverty reduction and economic growth.

Agro Nigeria