National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Paulinus Nta, A’Ibom |
The Akwa Ibom State Government has distributed cassava cuttings to no fewer than 12 Local Government Councils as part of its first batch of inputs distribution under the “Back to Farm” initiative.
This initiative aims to encourage civil and public servants to engage in agriculture.
The event marking Farm Day, took place on Friday, May 17, 2024, at the Akwa Ibom State Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP) headquarters.
Dr. Offiong Offor, the Commissioner for Agriculture & Rural Development, stated that Governor Umo Eno is passionate about agriculture, which led to the declaration of every first and third Friday of the month as work-free days to allow workers to return to their farms.
Emphasising the importance of food in human development, Offor mentioned that the State government, through the Ministry, has taken significant steps to support local government councils with agricultural inputs. The Transition Chairmen of the Councils were present to demonstrate their commitment to the project’s success.
Offor highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to providing technical support through extension agents in the local government areas.
She also encouraged those facing challenges from planting to harvesting to reach out to the Ministry for assistance to ensure bountiful harvest.
The Commissioner expressed gratitude to the governor for the initiative, reiterating the need to return to farming.
She assured that more improved varieties of inputs would be provided 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.
Hon. Frank Archibong, Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, noted that given the global trends, everyone must cultivate to ensure sufficient food for their families.
He pointed out that the state is endowed with arable land and it is the people’s responsibility to cultivate the provided inputs to achieve a bountiful harvest for both consumption and export.
Setting the tone for the event, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Mary Ukoette Bassey, noted that this was the first batch of inputs distribution to 12 Local Government Councils for cultivation in their respective domains. She appreciated the Commissioners for their roles in fostering unity among the Transition Chairmen and actualising the governor’s vision.
She stated that improved inputs had previously been distributed to public schools, farming groups, and Persons With Disabilities, with today marking the turn of Local Government Councils.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, Transition Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council, commended the governor for the Agricultural revolution launched in the State through the ARISE Agenda to provide food for the population.
He also praised the Commissioner for Agriculture & Rural Development for effectively implementing the State’s agricultural policies and assured support in realizing the governor’s vision.
The event featured the distribution of improved cassava cuttings to the benefiting LGAs, including Uyo, Udung Uko, Orue Offong Oruko, Etinan, Uruan, Ikono, Mkpat Enin, Ikot Ekpene, Oruk Anam, Nsit Ubium, Nsit Ibom, and Ibiono Ibom LGAs.
