Agric Commissioner Urges Supervisors To Key into Gov Emmanuel’s Food Sufficiency Policy

UYO

The commissioner for agriculture, Dr Offiong Offor, has urged supervisors of agriculture in the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom to identify with Gov Udom Emmanuel’s agricultural programmes for the realisation of food sufficiency in the state.

 Offor gave the advice at the conference room of her Ministry in Uyo, when she hosted supervisors of agriculture in all the 31 local government areas of the state, led by their dean, Mr Joseph Imang.

 The commissioner noted that it was in recognition of the importance of agriculture to human existence and high economic value for rapid development that Governor Emmanuel decided to prioritise agriculture in the state, advising them to take advantage of the naturally endowed fertile soil and favourable weather conditions of the state for the encouragement of aggressive agricultural production in their various rural communities for food to be within the reach of the people. 

 She reasoned that a cursory look at the past seven years of the present administration will give a clear picture of agricultural growth in the state and posited that Governor Emmanuel deserves appreciation and accolades by the supervisors for taking Akwa Ibom up on the rung of the food sufficiency ladder in the country.

 The commissioner noted with satisfaction that Akwa Ibom,under the present administration, has recorded milestones in agriculture as reflected in the massive cultivation of vegetables at the greenhouses and the recently commissioned state-of-the art Coconut Oil Factory at Mkpat Enin Local Government Area and many other areas.

 Offor revealed that the rural communities which constitute a larger population of the state are agrarian, being the reason for their appointment as supervisors for Agriculture to assist in high agricultural production for the collective interest of all and sundry in the state.

 The commissioner said the parley has created an opportunity to exchange ideas and to also inform them of the upcoming 2nd edition of the Akwa Ibom State Coconut Day celebration on October 4, 2022 in Ini Local Government Area.

 The agriculture expert, who likened the challenge of life to examination, which is a basis for promotion to the next class, hinted that challenges are normal proponents of life, which come to test our ability.

 “When you see challenges, do not view them from a negative perspective, but opportunities and stepping stones to success. In the process, you will learn and add value to yourself,”Offor advised.

 In his address, the dean, College of Supervisors, Local Government Councils, Mr Joseph Imang, congratulated the commissioner for her well deserved appointment to play a supportive role in the economic development of the state, in the area of agriculture.

 Imang stated that the visit was an opportunity for supervisors of agriculture to familiarise themselves with Offor as commissioner for agriculture and to create synergy that will be impactful to rural farmers and the entire people of the state.

The parley was attended by the permanent secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Mary Bassey, the director ofAdministration, Mr. Iffiok Udo and supervisors of Agriculture.