A’Ibom Commences Farmers Enumeration Ahead of Tree Crop Revolution Launch

A’Ibom Commences Farmers Enumeration Ahead of Tree Crop Revolution Launch

…as Information boss showcases ARISE achievements across Key Sectors

By Promzy Umoh

Ahead of the flag -off of the tree crop revolution across the 31 Local Government Areas in the State, the government has commenced the enumeration of farmers across the State.

This signals a new dawn for agriculture in the state, aimed at empowering farmers, boosting productivity, and ensuring food security and affordability.

The Honourable Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah Ph.D, said this on Thursday morning while speaking on a live radio programme on Memories 96.5 FM, where he discussed the achievements and impact of the Governor’s ARISE Agenda in key sectors of the state.

According to the Commissioner, the government has established the Ibom Model Farm Project in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, modeled after the renowned Songhai Model Farm in Porto-Novo. The farm, which serves as a pilot scheme, will be replicated across the three senatorial districts and will feature farm and non-farm assets.

He further explained that the administration, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has distributed improved seedlings and provided financial empowerment through initiatives such as the ARISE Home Farm Scheme. The government has also sustained the ARISE Free Food Distribution Programme, which has benefitted over 600,000 households across the state in three phases.

On infrastructure, Dr. Umanah noted that the Eno-led administration has delivered over 964 kilometres of roads constructed and rehabilitated across each Local Government Areas within just 28 months. He cited projects like the Oron Maritime Infrastructure Project and the ARISE Resort, describing them as symbols of the government’s commitment to economic diversification and tourism development.

He emphasized that infrastructure remains one of the strongest pillars of the ARISE Agenda, with the government’s investments in roads, housing, and tourism opening up rural areas and stimulating economic growth.

Speaking on security, the Commissioner maintained that Akwa Ibom remains one of the safest states in Nigeria. He attributed this to Governor Eno’s proactive measures, including the provision of patrol vehicles and gun boats to security agencies, establishment of the Ibom Community Watch, and the creation of a Ministry of Internal Security.

He revealed that work is ongoing in the modern Security and Command Centre, which will enhance surveillance and coordination. The governor’s efforts, he said, have earned commendations from senior security officials, including an Assistant Inspector General of Police, for the administration’s strong logistical and moral support to law enforcement.

On education, Dr. Umanah highlighted the construction of model schools across all 31 local government areas. Each school, he said, is equipped with modern classrooms, science laboratories, computer centers, e-libraries, and teachers’ quarters, giving Akwa Ibom children access to world-class learning facilities.

He added that the government has revitalized technical and vocational education, introduced scholarship schemes, and prioritized teachers’ welfare through prompt payment of salaries and continuous training.

The Commissioner commended the governor for his youth-focused initiatives, including the recent flag-off of Youth-Friendly Innovation Hubs in 11 local government areas, all scheduled for completion within 90 days.

Each hub, he said, will serve as a centre for innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship, providing young people with training and business incubation opportunities. He added that this initiative, described by Governor Eno as “a promise made and a promise fulfilled,” aligns with the ARISE Agenda’s pillars of Wealth Creation, Employment Generation, and Skills Development.

The State Information boss also highlighted the success of the Ibom-LED and DASAAC programmes, which have trained thousands of youths and provided start-up funds. He said the ARISE Youth Portal further connects job seekers to opportunities across sectors.

On workers’ welfare, Dr. Umanah disclosed that Governor Eno has cleared ₦78 billion from the ₦97 billion backlog of gratuities owed to retired civil servants and has increased the state minimum wage to ₦80,000, making Akwa Ibom one of the few states in Nigeria to do so.

In the health sector, he said the government has upgraded medical facilities, enhanced allowances for healthcare personnel, and continued work on the International Specialist Hospital, aimed at delivering world-class healthcare and curbing medical brain drain.

He lauded Governor Umo Eno’s visionary leadership and called on Akwa Ibom people to continue to support and pray for the administration.

“The ARISE Agenda is not just a policy document,” he said. “It is a living vision transforming Akwa Ibom into a state of peace, opportunity, and prosperity, a place where every citizen can truly rise.”