Akwa Ibom to revolutionize agriculture, after African Food Systems Conference

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has affirmed that the state’s participation in the recently concluded African Food Systems Conference will play a pivotal role in advancing the agricultural revolution under his administration’s ARISE Agenda.

Upon his return from the conference held in Kigali, Rwanda, Governor Eno spoke to Government House correspondents at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, expressing confidence in the positive impact the event will have on the state’s agricultural initiatives.

He described the conference as both informative and expository, emphasizing that the 2024 edition offered crucial insights and opportunities for evaluating adherence to global trends in food production.

Governor Eno highlighted the importance of the conference, noting that it reinforced the need for African nations to study and adopt the successful strategies of other countries to ensure food security and achieve similar outcomes across the continent.

For Akwa Ibom State, the governor stated that the lessons learned from the conference would be integral to refining the state’s agricultural strategies and enhancing partnerships with donor agencies to fully realize the ARISE Agenda’s objectives.

“A key component of the ARISE Agenda is Agricultural Revolution. We must consistently review our practices to ensure they align with global best practices. We have returned with actionable plans that will be implemented,” Governor Eno remarked.

He further detailed that the state government plans to collaborate closely with donor agencies to support ongoing initiatives through the food security and safety committee. This committee will be instrumental in driving private sector involvement, facilitating direct engagement with farmers, and uniting smallholder farmers to bolster the state’s agricultural sector.

The Akwa Ibom delegation to the conference included several key officials, such as the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh; Commissioner for Economic Development, Mr. Emem Bob; and the Managing Director of Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), Pastor Imoabasi Jacob.