GOV ENO’S AGRIC DRIVE INSPIRES ESIT EKET LG BOSS

GOV ENO’S AGRIC DRIVE INSPIRES ESIT EKET LG BOSS

…CULTIVATES 5 HECTARES GIANT SIZED WATERMELON FOR FOOD SECURITY

By Blessing Edet

The drive by Governor Umo Eno to strengthen food security in Akwa Ibom State is receiving a boost as Esit Eket Chairman, Mrs Uduak Ikot, intensifies her commitment to agricultural development in line with the ARISE Agenda.

Esit Eket Chairman, Hon. Mrs. Uduak Ikot having a bite of the watermelon

The initiative is focused on promoting farming in watermelon and other crops, as a sustainable means of improving livelihoods, generating revenue, and creating employment opportunities for indigenes and residents of Esit Eket.

Mrs. Ikot highlighting the importance of agriculture as a practical solution to unemployment and economic hardship, emphasized that Governor Umo Eno’s administration has continued to prioritize agriculture as a key pillar of economic growth and food security across the state.

“If you look at the ARISE Agenda, Governor Umo Eno has placed Agriculture as the Number One priority of his administration and we are keying into it in Esit Eket”, she said.

The Esit Eket council boss disclosed plans to organize an agricultural summit aimed at sensitizing farmers, youths, and women on the enormous opportunities available in modern agriculture.

According to her, the summit will provide participants with practical knowledge on improved farming techniques, agribusiness, and value chain development, encouraging more people to venture into commercial farming.

She explained that watermelon farming presents a profitable opportunity for residents because of its high market demand and relatively short production cycle.

She further identified three major species of watermelon currently being cultivated on the farm which is 5 hectares of land: the Pineapple Watermelon, the Sugar Baby Watermelon, and the Giant Watermelon, each possessing unique nutritional qualities and commercial value.

Mrs. Ikot noted that the Giant Watermelon, in particular, commands an impressive market price, with a single fruit selling for as much as ₦15,000, making it an attractive source of income for farmers.

She stressed that cultivating watermelon does not require vast expanses of land, as the crop can successfully be grown in home gardens and backyards, making it accessible to families interested in improving their household income.

She further explained that the initiative is designed to encourage the people of ESIT EKET to embrace agriculture rather than relying solely on white-collar jobs.

By engaging in watermelon cultivation, residents can harvest, market, and sell their produce for substantial profits while contributing to the state’s food production.

According to her, the project is expected to create employment opportunities for youths, women, and other interested individuals across the local government area. Beyond employment, it will stimulate local commerce, improve food availability, and promote self reliance among community members.

The chairman urged residents to take advantage of the initiative, describing agriculture as a dependable pathway to economic empowerment and sustainable development. She maintained that with proper support, training, and commitment, watermelon farming could become one of the leading agricultural enterprises in ESIT EKET and contribute significantly to the realization of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.

The initiative reflects the growing recognition that agriculture remains one of the most effective tools for combating unemployment, enhancing food security, and driving inclusive economic growth in Akwa Ibom State.