Agric Commissioner Solicits Community Leaders’ Support On Food Sufficiency

UYO

The commissioner for agriculture has solicited the support of community leaders in the attainment of food sufficiency in Akwa Ibom.

 Dr Offiong Offor made the plea when the paramount ruler of Oruk Anam Local Government Area, Obong John Obosi, led the clan head of Ibesit, Obong Idorenyin Ebong and community leaders from Ntak Ibesit, Ata Ntak, Ikot Udo Awak, Ikot Esikam and Ikot Uko Etu on a special interactive session with her at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Agriculture, Uyo.

 Offor said the Akwa Ibom government, under Gov Udom Emmanuel, was committed to ensuring the realisation of food sufficiency, noting that communities are expected to reciprocate government’s gesture through their involvement in all aspects of agriculture.

 She was optimistic that with active participation of traditional rulers and their subject in agricultural production food sufficiency and security would be achieved for the collective interest of the government and the people.

 The commissioner, flanked by the permanent secretary, Mrs Mary Ukoette and directors in the Ministry, admonished them to ensure peaceful co-existence and guard against any form of communal disputes in their domains in order not to hinder agricultural development in the state.

 She commended the leaders and members of communities for handing over a large parcel of land to the state government for agricultural production, noting with delight that the donation was done willingly out of love.

 While appreciating the paramount ruler for mediating between the community and the Ministry of Agriculture, Offor assured that agricultural activities will soon commence on the parcel of land for the set objectives to be achieved bygovernment.

 Her words: “The governor is a lover of peace, so we do not want crisis. Where there is peace, growth abounds, where there is dispute development will be hindered. I urge you not to trespass on that land, but embrace peace and continually support the project”.     

 In his remarks, the paramount ruler of Oruk Anam Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, John Obosi, who expressed appreciation to the commissioner for the audience granted them, promised to mobilize the host communities for peace to reign and support the project’s implementation by the state government.

Obosi appreciated the commissioner for the choice of the community for the execution of agricultural project andrequested for the engagement of their youths in the cultivation of the the farm to enable them to have a good sense of belonging.