By Patrick Titus, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has reiterated his calls on the people of the state for continued support to his administration, saying that the administration was steadily driving on achieving its economic blueprint to ease today’s challenges for a better tomorrow for all.
In a broadcast on Sunday, to mark the Easter celebration in the state, Governor Eno said the state government has approved the sum of N2.5 billion for the purchase of 620,000 oil palm seedlings for farms in the state.
These farms the Governor explained include the Ibom Model Farm in Nsit Ubium and other farms around the State, as the state government has planned to launch Palm Tree Crop Revolution soon.
Noting the earlier project, he said that N2 billion agricultural grant given to farmers as well as the provisions of farm inputs have recorded success with increased yields, assured food supply and created wealth.
“We have intensified our push to create the agricultural revolution as outlined in our Arise Agenda with the Ibom Model Farm and other farms around the State. We are gratified to note the impact the N2 billion agricultural grant given to farmers is making, the agricultural equipment leasing company to aid farmers, and the farm inputs we have provided to farmers, which have increased yields, as well as the Palm Tree Crop Revolution which will be launched in the coming months.
“This initiative, which will create generational wealth and, in the process, help restore the place of palm fruit as a veritable source of wealth generation for our rural dwellers which was the mainstay of our economic prosperity before the advent of crude oil.
“The sum of N2.5 billion was recently approved by the Executive Council for the purchase of 620,000 oil palm seedlings for this noble exercise. When launched, we expect our people to get involved,” Gov Eno stated.
The State Chief Executive also added, that recently too, “we approved the sum of N20 million for ward-level Cooperative Societies in all the 369 wards in the State. The structure to manage this programme was inaugurated during our last EXCO meeting and is headed by the Deputy Governor.
“This programme will help our people in the rural areas, especially our women, to access funds to engage in trading and other economically beneficial undertakings.”
He said that with the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission and Akwa Ibom State Electrification Agency as well as the detailed roadmap on power, the process of unboarding electricity generation and distribution in the state has kick-started in order to address the challenges associated with epileptic power supply and ensure regular electricity in the state.
Governor who reeled out his administration’s achievements since assumption of office on May 29, 2023, said that he has not regretted his decision to decamp from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that the action was a decisive and timely movement to allign Akwa Ibom State with the centre.
Reflecting on the essence of Easter celebration as proclaimed in Mark 10:45, Governor Eno urged the people of the state to see the season as where hope is renewed, faith strengthened, and eternal life reassured.
He however assured, saying that “just as the Risen Christ brought hope, redemption and salvation, we will continue to roll our sleeves up and work to improve the welfare and well-being of our people. We will create a future that is defined by hope and faith in the ennobling ideals of a Christ-centred government we had promised you.”
