AKSG Reviews Work Free Farming Days Initiative

By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
The Akwa Ibom government has reviewed the Work Free Farming Days initiative hitherto observed on the first and third Fridays of every month to only the first Fridays of the month. 
The approval for the adjustment was given by the State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, following a review of the programme’s success in empowering civil servants to engage in agricultural activities and the need to balance the initiative with the public service delivery.
A release issued by the secretary to the State government, Prince Enobong Uwah, captioned, “Adjustment Of The Work Free Farming Days To First Fridays Of The Month Only”, indicated that the adjustment will take effect from June 2025.
The release noted that the change will allow officials to continuously contribute to the agricultural revolution of the State while ensuring that the duties and responsibilities of government are discharged without undue interruption.
Uwah, as indicated in the release, emphasised that workers in the Offices of the Governor, and his deputy, secretary to the State government, that of the Head of Civil Service and other emergency and essential service workers are exempted from participating in the work free farm day.
The release directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to adjust accordingly and ensure full compliance, as the State government remains committed to supporting its workforce in agricultural pursuit to boost its domestic food production.
“The Government of Akwa Ibom State hereby announces an adjustment to the ‘Work Free Farming Days’ initiative, hitherto observed on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month.
“Following a review of the programme’s success in empowering civil servants to engage in agricultural activities and the need to balance this initiative with the delivery of public services, His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D has approved an adjustment to the Work Free Farming Days to 1st Fridays of the month ONLY, with effect from June 2025.
“This change will allow officials to continue contributing to our agricultural revolution while ensuring that the duties and responsibilities of government are discharged without undue interruption.
“Please NOTE that workers in the Governor’s Office, Deputy Governor’s Office, SSG’s Office, Office of the Head of Service and other Emergency/Essential Service Workers are exempted from participating in the Work Free Farm Day.
“All Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are hereby directed to adjust accordingly and ensure full compliance. The Government remains committed to supporting our workforce in agricultural pursuit to boost our domestic food production”, the release stated.