A medical doctor and Chief Executive Officer of Mandu’s Garden, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Ade Essien-Ibok, has said that gardening has strong therapeutic benefits and can help improve mental health.
She spoke at the inaugural meeting of Mandu’s Garden held at Vika Integrated Farms, Uyo. Dr. Ade explained that walking around a garden and connecting with nature helps people release their pain, stress, and worries.
She said the garden is open to the public, not only for planting or weeding, but also as a place for learning, relaxation, bonding, and exposure to nature.
According to her, gardening helps people heal emotionally. She explained that spending time on a farm helps clear the mind, allows people to reflect, and see life from a different perspective. She added that nurturing plants teaches love, patience, empathy, and care, because people naturally want to see the plants grow and survive.
Dr. Ade also stressed the importance of staying close to nature. She said the garden will serve as a meeting place where people, especially the elderly, can relax, bond, and take part in light physical activities such as walking around the farm, planting crops, and watching them grow.
She noted that physical activity is very important for good health, as many health problems today are caused by a sedentary lifestyle. Gardening, she said, encourages movement, helps burn calories, and keeps the body active through activities like walking, carrying water, and working on the soil.
She added that the garden also provides a calm environment for reflection and social interaction. People can share ideas, read books together, exercise, or simply spend quality time with one another.
Earlier, the Vice Chairman of Vika Integrated Farms, Uyo, Prof. Mandu Essien-Ibok, said the farm has existed for over thirty years and has trained farmers, students, and corporate organizations across Nigeria.
Speaking on the benefits of agriculture, the university don encouraged everyone, including graduates, to take up farming regardless of their field of study.
After taking guests on a tour of the farm, she described agriculture as a reliable source of income that does not go out of season. She said that with proper training and by following planting seasons, farmers can succeed.
She added that the farm grows many types of crops successfully and advised everyone to consider agriculture, assuring them that it can be rewarding if done at the right time and in the right way.
