UYO – Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has officially handed over the management of Ibom Model Farm to Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) as part of efforts to strengthen food security, promote agro-tourism and drive agricultural development across the state.
Governor Eno announced the decision during an inspection tour of the facility, disclosing that government is in the final stages of providing the necessary infrastructure required for the farm to commence full operations.
He explained that while AKSU will manage the facility, the State Ministry of Agriculture will provide supervisory oversight.
“We began this project by providing the farm house. The farm is now going to be managed by Akwa Ibom State University and the Ministry of Agriculture will perform the supervisory role,” the Governor stated.
Describing the project as a unique blend of agriculture and tourism, Governor Eno said the farm was designed not only for food production but also as a recreational destination that will attract visitors and stimulate economic activities.
“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 added.
The Governor revealed that the Ibom Model Farm was inspired by the renowned Songhai Farm model and is expected to serve as a prototype for similar agricultural projects to be established across the three senatorial districts of the state.
According to him, additional model farms are already being planned for Ini Local Government Area to serve Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and Eastern Obolo Local Government Area for Eket Senatorial District.
Governor Eno expressed confidence in AKSU’s capacity to manage the project effectively, urging the institution’s management and agricultural experts to ensure the farm meets its objectives and becomes a model of excellence in modern farming.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, said the vision behind the Ibom Model Farm extends beyond food production to encompass human capacity development and 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 successfully manage the facility and transform it into a benchmark for modern agricultural practices.
Prof. Akpan noted that the initiative aligns with the Agricultural Revolution pillar of the ARISE Agenda and will make significant contributions toward achieving sustainable food security 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.
The development underscores the state government’s commitment to agricultural transformation, economic diversification and the creation of sustainable platforms for food production, research, training and tourism.
