Sunday July 5, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
… targets food security, agro-tourism
In line with his commitment to boosting food security and agro-tourism, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has handed over the management of Ibom Model Farm to Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU).
The Governor who spoke during an inspection of the facility, where he explained that the government was in the advanced stage of providing the necessary infrastructure for the farm to commence operations, said 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,” Governor Eno said.
He described the farm as more than an agricultural production centre, noting that it has been designed to offer recreational and tourism opportunities alongside food production.
“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 stated.
The State Chief Executive hinted that the Model Farm was inspired by the Songhai Farm model and will serve as the template for similar agricultural projects planned to be established across the three senatorial districts of the State.
He noted that that though modeled after the Songhai Farm, the State University has what it takes to manage the farm, and urged the university’s Vice chancellor and the professionals in the faculty of agriculture to be engaged to live up to expectation.
The Governor disclosed that additional model farms are being planned for Ini Local Government Area to serve Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and Eastern Obolo Local Government Area for Eket Senatorial District.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, said the vision for the Ibom Model Farm extends beyond food production to include human capacity development and agrotourism.
“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.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. Otoabasi Akpan, assured the Governor that the institution possesses the technical expertise required to successfully manage the facility and make it a benchmark for modern agricultural practice.
Prof. Akpan noted that the initiative aligns with the agricultural revolution pillar of the ARISE Agenda and will contribute significantly to achieving sustainable food security in the 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.
Gov Eno Transfers Ibom Model Farm To State University
