BY SOLOMON OKPO
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has inaugurated an ultra-modern agricultural equipment leasing facility in Ekpri Nsukara, Uyo, as part of efforts to transform farming practices and strengthen food security across the state.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Ibom Equipment Leasing Facility on Wednesday, the governor said the initiative represents a major step in transitioning farmers from subsistence agriculture to mechanized, large-scale production. He noted that the project aligns with his administration’s ARISE Agenda, which prioritizes increased food availability and reduction in market prices.
According to him, the facility is designed to empower farmers, cooperatives, and agribusiness operators with access to modern equipment and technical support, enabling them to expand operations and improve productivity.
“This facility is primed to help our farmers move from peasant farming to commercial-scale production. Agriculture must no longer be seen as a subsistence venture, but as a business with strong economic returns,” Eno said.
The governor also disclosed that Akwa Ibom State University has been engaged to manage the Ibom Model Farms and greenhouses along Airport Road. He explained that the partnership is aimed at enhancing research, capacity building, and overall efficiency in the agricultural sector.
Emphasizing the need to attract younger generations into farming, Eno described the equipment leasing scheme as the first phase of broader interventions targeted at making agriculture more appealing and profitable for youths.
The facility serves as a central hub for agricultural mechanization, providing leasing services for land preparation equipment, as well as technical assistance. It is equipped with administrative buildings, a maintenance workshop, tractor bays, a fleet of tractors with implements, and low-bed trailers to support seamless operations.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Offiong Offor, presented an overview of the project, while the General Manager of the facility, Ifiok Ekot, assured stakeholders of efficient and sustainable management.
In their goodwill messages, stakeholders including the Paramount Ruler of Uyo, Sylvanus Okon; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Anieti Udofia; the Village Head of Ekpri Nsukara; and former Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Monday Eyo, commended the initiative, describing it as a strategic move to modernize agriculture and improve livelihoods in Uyo Local Government Area.
