Akwa Ibom begins second phase of farm input distribution to schools

Akwa Ibom State has started the second phase of farm input distribution of to public schools in the state as part of efforts to boost agriculture.

The second batch of the distribution, which was for schools in Eket Senatorial District, was carried out by the commissioner for Agriculture, Glory Edet, in a brief ceremony held at Government Secondary School, Afaha Eket, Eket and attended by schools’ principals and other stakeholders as well as Directors in the Ministry of Agriculture.

In her remarks, Edet said that the exercise was part of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s continuing efforts towards the actualisation of the food sufficiency policy which she said was a critical aspect of the Governor’s Completion Agenda.

She enjoined participants to utilize the vast expanse of land in their schools and expose their wards to the rudiments of Agriculture in order for them to have something to fall back on after their school years.

The commissioner also noted that a team of experts has been tasked with going around the benefiting schools in Eket Senatorial District and the State at large for inspection.

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The director of agriculture in the Ministry, Emmanuel Akpan, who also spoke at the event, entreated the attendees to take the process seriously describing agriculture as one of the World’s largest income-earning ventures and appreciated the Honourable Commissioner for painstakingly translating the vision of the Governor in the Agriculture sector.

Responding on behalf of the participants, the Principal of Community Secondary School, Ndueduo. Margret Umoh thanked the governor for his “lofty ideas” in the development and promotion of Agriculture in the state and promised to put the distributed items into judicious and productive use.
Meanwhile, private sector operators have been issued with Certificates of Occupancy by the state government
to fast track the process that would boost the state government’s industrial agenda.

To speed up the process, the governor has decentralised the authority to issue the certificate and has mandated the commissioner for Lands and Water Resources to handle some aspects of the activity on his behalf.

Presenting the first certificate under this process to Master Plan Innovative Industries Limited, the Governor said the exercise is aimed at stimulating economic activities in the state and creating more job opportunities.

Represented by the commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Umo Eno, the Governor noted that the Covid-19 pandemic had dealt a big blow to the global economy; and Akwa Ibom State is not an exception. He added that private business operators need their C of Os to raise funds and stimulate their businesses.

“It is a privilege to, on behalf of the governor of Akwa Ibom State, present you your Certificate of Occupancy and trust that this will help you to progress your business; and through this exercise, the private sector will stimulate the economy of the State.”

He expressed satisfaction that the C of O has been signed particularly for businesses, to stimulate actives and help the private sector stimulate the economy.

Director of Master Plan Innovative Industries Limited, Victor UkoAbasi, earlier in his response had commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for making it possible for the company to receive its C of O, adding that his organization is on the ground with facilities to bring a balance to the ecosystem of Akwa Ibom State and the adjoining States.

He said the company was venturing into recycling of plastics, nylons and allied materials that have caused a nuisance to Akwa Ibom State, pointing out that most of the drainages in the State are blocked by non-degradable materials, which he said is his company’s primary raw material.