By Patrick Titus, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has handed over Ibom Model Farm’s management to Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), urging the Vice Chancellor and professionals in the Faculty of Agriculture to proof their worth through efficient management of the project.
Ibom Model Farm located in Nsit Ubium Local Government area of the state, is an integrated agro-economic venture to drive Governor Umo Eno administration’s vision of agricultural revolution as captured in his Arise Agenda economic blueprint. Covering 50 hectares, the farm is designed to achieve food sufficiency, generate employment and promote tourism.
Gov Eno, at the weekend, while handing over the management of the farm to the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Otoabasi Akpan, said that the State Ministry of Agriculture will provide the supervisory oversight.
“The farm is now going to be managed by Akwa Ibom State University and the Ministry of Agriculture will perform the supervisory role. We began this project by providing the farm house.
The vision to establish this Farm was inspired by the Songhai Farm model to serve as the template for similar agricultural projects planned to be established across the three senatorial districts of the state. I therefore urge the Vice Chancellor and the professionals in the faculty of agriculture to be engaged to live up to expectations,” Gov Eno stated.
He disclosed that additional model farms are being planned for Ini Local Government Area to serve Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and Eastern Obolo Local Government Area for Eket Senatorial District.
In her remarks, 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 agro tourism.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. Akpan, assured the Governor that the institution has the technical expertise required to successfully manage the facility and make it a benchmark for modern agricultural practice.
Prof. Akpan noted that the initiative would contribute significantly to achieving sustainable food security in the state.
