By Solomon OKPO
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has officially handed over the management of the Ibom Model Farm to Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) as part of his administration’s drive to strengthen food security, promote agro-tourism, and accelerate agricultural development across the state.
Speaking during an inspection of the facility, Governor Eno said the State Government was in the final stages of providing the critical infrastructure needed for the farm to commence full operations. He explained that while AKSU would manage the facility, the State Ministry of Agriculture would provide supervisory oversight.
“We began this project by providing the farmhouse. The farm is now going to be managed by Akwa Ibom State University, while the Ministry of Agriculture will perform the supervisory role,” the Governor stated.
Governor Eno described the Ibom Model Farm as more than a conventional agricultural production centre, saying it was deliberately designed to combine modern farming with leisure and tourism, making it an attractive destination for visitors.
“You can see the ambience of the farm. This is what we expected. People should be able to come here and relax. This is agritourism. Apart from food, there are things that will be happening here,” he said.
The Governor disclosed that the project was inspired by the renowned Songhai Farm model and would serve as a blueprint for similar integrated agricultural projects to be established in the state’s three senatorial districts.
Although the concept draws from the Songhai model, Governor Eno expressed confidence in AKSU’s capacity to manage the facility successfully, urging the university’s Vice Chancellor and experts in its Faculty of Agriculture to deploy their professional expertise to ensure the project achieves its objectives.
He further announced plans to establish additional model farms in Ini Local Government Area to serve Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area for Eket Senatorial District.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, said the Ibom Model Farm was conceived not only to enhance food production but also to build human capacity and promote agro-tourism.
“The objective beyond food security has been to develop human capacity and also serve as a tool for agrotourism. It is going to be everything His Excellency expected it to be,” she said.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. Otoabasi Akpan, assured the Governor that the institution possesses the technical expertise and manpower required to manage the facility effectively and transform it into a model of modern agricultural practice.
Prof. Akpan noted that the initiative aligns with the Agricultural Revolution pillar of the ARISE Agenda and would play a significant role in achieving sustainable food security and agricultural transformation in Akwa Ibom State.
“The goal is to provide food security in line with the ARISE Agenda, where the ‘A’ stands for Agricultural Revolution. We thank His Excellency for giving us the opportunity to serve the state,” he said.
