Akwa Ibom State Government has pledged partnership with entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector as part of efforts to boost food production and ensure food security.
Governor Umo Eno made the pledge when he visited Lavender Farms, a privately-run large scale farm in Afaha, Etok, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Eno directed that Enobong Uwah, the Secretary to the State Government and Commissioner for Agriculture, Offiong Offor, should liaise with the farm management to ensure partnership to develop the farm, just as the governor announced a donation of utility vehicle to aid the farms logistics.
The governor said he was proud of the Ikono-born managing director of the farm, Ubong Inyang, stressing that his venture into agriculture is in line with the governments ARISE Agenda.
He commended Ubongs dedication to the running of the massive integrated farm venture and not depending on parents achievements, despite his rich family background. He called on other youths in the State and beyond to emulate such, as he reaffirmed governments commitment to creating a conducive environment for productive ventures to thrive in the State.
Governor Eno said, I feel extremely proud of him. These are the kind of people I want to support. It is not just enough to blame Government, start something; there is no one that would not love to support this kind of effort.
We are already looking for areas we can support him to scale up. He (the managing director) has already said that he wants to scale up. That is why I came here with the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and SSG.
As we conclude this inspection, we have observed that what he lacks now is a farm vehicle. So to encourage him beyond the partnership that we want to have, I am requesting the SSG to release one farm vehicle for him immediately to mark our visit, he added.
