By Assam Abia, Solomon OKPO
Village heads across Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has applauded the NNPC/SEPLAT Joint Venture EMOIMEE Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) for launching its agricultural empowerment programme, describing the initiative as a landmark intervention capable of boosting food production, reducing poverty and creating sustainable livelihoods across host communities.
The traditional rulers said the programme comes at a crucial time when many rural households are contending with rising food prices and dwindling economic opportunities. They noted that the initiative demonstrates the Trust’s commitment to improving the welfare of its host communities through practical and sustainable development projects.
The HCDT agricultural empowerment programme is designed to support crop, livestock and fish farmers through the provision of improved seedlings, fingerlings, day-old chicks, organic fertilizers and quality animal feeds. Beneficiaries will also receive financial support, agribusiness development training, financial literacy education and extension services aimed at improving productivity and ensuring long-term sustainability.
The scheme covers farmers engaged in the cultivation of cassava, maize, yam, pepper, onion, tomato and mushrooms, as well as poultry, piggery, goat, snail, catfish and tilapia production.
Commending the initiative, the village heads described it as a transformational programme capable of stimulating economic growth at the grassroots while strengthening food security.
They also praised the leadership of the Air Commodore Charles Usoh (Rtd)-led Board of Trustees for what they described as its transparency, accountability and unwavering commitment to delivering impactful projects across the host communities.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Village Head of Ikot Odiong, Chief Odiong Samuel Effiong, welcomed the programme but appealed to the Trust to extend the registration period from the current two weeks to one month. He explained that many eligible farmers, particularly those in remote communities, may not receive the information early enough to complete their registration before the deadline.
According to him, extending the registration period would guarantee wider participation and ensure that deserving beneficiaries are not excluded from the intervention.
Chief Effiong also appealed to the Trust to introduce a social intervention programme for elderly members of the host communities. He observed that while the agricultural initiative would benefit active farmers, many aged men and women require dedicated welfare support to improve their quality of life.
He said such an initiative would complement the agricultural empowerment programme and further underscore the Trust’s commitment to inclusive and holistic community development.
The village heads reaffirmed their support for the Eket HCDT and expressed confidence that the agricultural empowerment programme would usher in a new era of rural development by increasing food production, creating employment opportunities and strengthening economic resilience across Eket Local Government Area.
The programme remains open to qualified indigenes of Eket, including youths and women organised under cooperatives and farmers’ associations, with applications accepted through the designated registration channels provided by the Trust.
Stakeholders have expressed optimism that the initiative will become a model for sustainable, community-driven development across Akwa Ibom State.
