Pastor Umo Eno, the governor of Akwa Ibom State, began building the Ibom Model Farms (IMF) at Ikot Edibon, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, in accordance with his administration’s “ARISE Agenda” on agriculture.
During the flag-off, the governor stated that the farm represents the success of his campaign. His view that agriculture holds the key to the future led to the conception of the farm during his electioneering campaign, he said, adding that he had personally sent 31 persons through Agric training with his own money, and another 31 were presently enrolled in a similar program.
The governor, while expressing his happiness that the project was finally off to a successful start, emphasized the importance of viewing agribusiness as the new black gold.
He pointed out that, unlike Ibom Air, the farm will be properly managed without interference from the government, debunking the myth that farming is not lucrative in large nations.
Governor Eno said that the reason for the location was not because Nsit Ubium is his local government area, but rather because it was the first LGA to give property with a customary Certificate of Occupancy (E of O). Governor Eno had visited the site earlier in the morning to check it before the flag-off.
Appreciating the Council Chairman’s support for the project, he said, “the Model Farm project will benefit any local government that provides land.”
The governor also expressed gratitude to Pastor Imo-Abasi Jacob, the CEO of Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), Dr. Offiong Offor, the commissioner for agriculture and rural development, and their staff for their unwavering efforts in starting the farm.
Offiong Offor, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, had earlier stated that the farm, which will occupy 50 hectares, will serve as a hub for business modeled after the Songhai Farms in Porto-Novo, as well as a source of food security and employment opportunities.
Fr. Godfrey Nzamujo, the Director of Songhai Initiative, stated that the initiative’s relevance is extensive and that it is not simply a farm but rather a holistic and integrated approach to agriculture with the goal of building a society that can support itself economically.
According to him, the initiative’s guiding principles are a new vision and methodology that are necessary to address the problems facing the world, and Africa in particular.
