Governor of Akwa Ibom State, pastor Umo Eno has mandated the Vice Chancellor of the Akwa Ibom State University, AKSU, Prof. Otoabasi Akpan to take over the management of Ibom Model Farm while the State Ministry of Agriculture will provide supervisory oversight.
The Governor who gave the mandate weekend during an inspection of the facility, said the farm has been designed to offer recreational and tourism opportunities alongside food production.
“The farm is now going to be managed by Akwa Ibom State University and the Ministry of Agriculture will perform the supervisory role. We began this project by providing the farm house” Governor Eno said.
He 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 urging 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.
In her remarks, 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.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. Akpan, assured the Governor that the institution has 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.
