GOV ENO HANDS OVER IBOM MODEL FARM TO AKSU TO ADDRESS FOOD INSECURITY

Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno has handed over the management of the Ibom Model Farm to Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) to boost food security, agribusiness, and agricultural development in the state.

Speaking during an inspection of the model farm, Eno explained that the state government was at an advanced stage of providing the necessary infrastructure for the facility to commence operations, while the state Ministry of Agriculture would supervise the farm.

“We started this project by providing the farmhouse. The farm is now going to be managed by Akwa Ibom State University, and the Ministry of Agriculture will perform the supervisory role.”

Eno described the farm as more than an agricultural production centre, adding that it has been designed to offer recreational and tourism opportunities alongside food production.

“You can see the ambience of the farm. This is what we expected. People should be able to come here and relax. This is agritourism. Apart from food, there are things that will be happening here.”

Eno recalled that the model farm was inspired by the Songhai Farm model and is intended to serve as a template for similar agricultural projects planned across the three senatorial districts of the state.

He said that although the farm is modelled after the Songhai Farm, AKSU has what it takes to manage the facility. He urged the institution and professionals in its Faculty of Agriculture to rise to the challenge and meet expectations.

Eno disclosed that additional model farms are being planned for Ini Local Government Area to serve Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District and another in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area for Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Offiong Offor, said the vision for the Ibom Model Farm extends beyond food production to include human capacity development and agritourism.

“The objective beyond food security has been to develop human capacity and also serve as a tool for agritourism. It is going to be everything as planned by Governor Umo Eno.”

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. Otoabasi Akpan, assured the state governor that the institution possesses the technical expertise required to successfully manage the facility and make it a benchmark for modern agricultural practice.

Akpan noted that the initiative aligns with the agricultural revolution pillar of the ARISE Agenda and will contribute significantly to achieving sustainable food security in the state.

“The goal is to provide food security in line with the ARISE Agenda, where the ‘A’ stands for Agricultural Revolution. We thank His Excellency for giving us the opportunity to serve the state,” he said.