Eno launches new facility to drive food sufficiency through mechanization

Tony Okoh, Uyo

In a bid to strengthen food security and modernise farming, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, says the new Agricultural Equipment Leasing Facility will support farmers in adopting mechanised practices and improve access to affordable food.

Gov Eno, who spoke during the commissioning of the Facility in Ekpri-Nsukara, Uyo, said it was a fulfillment of the campaign promise he had made.

“This project has marked a new phase in agricultural development in the state,

“The equipment leasing centre is expected to drive mechanised farming, improve food production and support farmers across the state.”

He emphasised that agriculture remained a lucrative sector, noting that many successful individuals had built wealth through farming.

He commended Engr. Loye Ogar and her construction team for the successful delivery of the state-of-the-art equipment leasing facility, describing the project as a major step in the state’s agricultural transformation drive.

He noted that Engr. Ogar demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism throughout the construction process, describing her as a strong representation of the female gender.

Her dedication, skills and capacity, according to the Governor, would earn her consideration for future projects.

Gov Eno also lauded the facility’s Manager Engr. Ifiok Ekott, for effectively interpreting the vision behind the project, expressed satisfaction with the clarity and pledged to return in six months for further assessment.

The Governor announced that the management of the ongoing Ibom Model farm and the Green Houses would be transferred to the Faculty of Agriculture in the Akwa Ibom State University, while adding that the institution’s Dean is expected to have accommodation within the facility.

Eno further disclosed that farmers in the State would access the equipment at subsidised rates of over fifty percent.

He also urged local government chairmen to support farmers by facilitating access to the tractors, recommending a supervised rotational system across communities.

According to him, 25 tractors had been provided for the scheme, calling on farmers to take full advantage of the opportunity to boost productivity.

During the commissioning, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, described the commissioning as a significant milestone in the state’s drive to reposition the sector for productivity and sustainability.

Providing an overview of the project, Offor said the facility would offer structured leasing services for farm equipment, aimed at supporting farmers and enhancing mechanised farming across the state.

She disclosed that the tractors deployed to the centre were fitted with tracking devices to ensure accountability and efficient use, while two low-bed trailers had also been added to ease the movement of heavy equipment to farms.

The commissioner expressed appreciation to the Governor for his continued support of farmers through grants and other interventions, describing the administration’s commitment as pivotal to the sector’s growth.

The Manager of the Ibom Equipment Leasing Facility, Engr. Ifiok Ekott expressed appreciation to stakeholders in the agricultural sector and the Akwa Ibom State Government for their support towards the successful delivery of the project.

Ekott acknowledged the collective contributions of partners and industry players, noting that their collaboration had been instrumental to the realisation of the initiative.

He assured that the management and staff of the facility are fully committed to delivering on its mandate, adding that measurable progress would be evident within a short period.

Ekot pledged to present a mid-year report in six months, expressing confidence that the state’s agricultural sector would witness significant transformation.

In their various goodwill messages, the Paramount Ruler, Edidem Edidem Sylvanus E. Okon, the Village Head, Chief Emem Dennis, Mr. Monday Eyo, representative of Industrial Farmer, Mr. Hogan Bassey, commended the administration and achievements recorded so far, while they pledged continued support and collaboration, urging unity among the people to advance shared goals and ensure further progress across the state.