By Ekemini James
Governor Umo Eno’s vision for agricultural revolution, as outlined in his ARISE Agenda, takes another decisive step today, Thursday, October 23, 2025, with the commencement of the enumeration of oil palm farmers across all local government areas of Akwa Ibom State.
This exercise, which fulfills one of his campaign promises to foster a self-sustaining economy driven by productivity, is strategically designed to boost high-yield cultivation through improved varieties, attract agro-investments, and create sustainable wealth for farmers and rural communities.
According to government sources, the enumeration is completely free of charge and marks another bold stride in Governor Eno’s ongoing Tree Crop Revolution. The Governor has directed that the process be handled exclusively by certified personnel to guarantee transparency, accuracy, and credibility. Data gathered will serve as the foundation for empowering verified farmers with improved seedlings, training, and technical support.
To further enhance coordination and accelerate implementation, Governor Eno recently placed the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP) under the direct supervision of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) — a move that has significantly revitalized administrative efficiency within the agricultural sector.
This strategic realignment underscores the administration’s determination to reposition agriculture as the cornerstone of Akwa Ibom’s economic transformation, rural empowerment, and food security.
Following the directive, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, has assumed oversight functions at AKADEP and immediately convened a strategy session with officials of the agency and members of the State Committee on Agriculture and Food Security.
Prince Uwah reaffirmed his office’s full commitment to achieving the Governor’s set targets under the Tree Crop Revolution, saying:
“His Excellency has given a clear directive on the Tree Crop Revolution and expects visible results within a defined timeline. We are fully committed to that goal.”
Speaking at the meeting, Professor Trenchard Ibia, representing the State Committee on Agriculture and Food Security, commended Governor Eno for his proactive leadership and the swift rehabilitation of the AKADEP headquarters, describing it as a practical demonstration of the administration’s sincerity toward agricultural transformation.
The enumeration of oil palm farmers serves as the first major step in this agricultural reform, enabling the State to build a comprehensive database of genuine farmers, identify cultivation gaps, and design targeted interventions that improve productivity and ensure inclusion.
Ultimately, Governor Eno’s enumeration initiative goes beyond simple documentation — it envisions a future where every palm tree planted becomes a seed of shared prosperity, symbolizing a united effort between government and farmers to cultivate wealth for all.
—Published by Newspot Nigeria
