In order to cushion the excruciating impacts of hunger in the face of the prevailing food crises, the Akwa Ibom State government has intervened with the flag-off of the distribution of free inputs to farmers as the farming season sets in.
LEADERSHIP Sunday gathered at the weekend that the intervention is in line with Governor Umo Eno’s deliberate policy to increase agricultural production to enhance food sufficiency.
Performing the exercise at the Multiplication Seed Farm (MSF) at Ebighi Anwa community in Okobo local government area, the commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Offiong Offor said the focus of the administration centres on agricultural revolution, hence the gathering to commence the first planting season for the year.
“In the hierarchy of man’s needs, food is ranked first and that explains why the governor has in many fora called on the people to go back to the farm. This occasion is timely to show the plan of government for the people,” she stressed.
The commissioner, therefore, advised registered cooperative societies, farming groups, as well as individual farmers to visit the headquarters of their local government areas for farmers and groups verification exercise, in order to access government’s agricultural interventions.
Besides, the commissioner assured the host community of government’s continuous support, to reciprocate the cooperation so far accorded the Ministry.
The deputy governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, commended the governor for initiating model farms in the state to ensure food sufficiency.
Represented by the director of Administration, Mr Samuel Umium, Eyakenyi, appreciated the agriculture commissioner and her team for a great job, and assured them of support to ensure food sufficiency and availability in the state.
The chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Prince Bassey Inwang; the village council chairman of the host community, Mr Enominyi Enemi; the special assistant (SA) to the governor on Persons with Disabilities, Nene Bassey, among others, lauded the initiative and affirmed their supports for the intervention.
