NPC Boss Advocates Farmland Ownership For Citizens Agriculture

From Emmanuel Iyoho
ABUJA
The federal commissioner of National Population Commission (NPC) representing Akwa Ibom State, Chief Benedict Ukpong, has urged Akwa Ibom indigenes at home and in the diaspora to own a farm land of their own and engage vigorously in agriculture.
Ukpong stated this while speaking with journalists during the celebration of Akwa Ibom Cultural Fiesta 2024 organised by Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja, recently.
The NPC boss, who served as chairman on the occasion said venturing into agricultural activities by the people would boost food supply and go along way in checkmating high cost of food in the country.
Ukpong, who is also a former president, Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja, charged the people to engage in the cultivation of food crops, irrespective of where they reside.
According to him, it has become imperative for everyone in the state to participate in farming as it will go along way in promoting agriculture, ensure food security, improve the well being and health of the population.
  “Let farming be a lifestyle for everyone of us, we should own a farm land and cultivate it, even though is in your compound.There is need for everyone us to have a garden and cultivate any crop of your choice, it can be vegetables, tomatoes etc.
  “You need to understand that food is very important for our living, because you have to eat. So, you need to work inorder to contribute to the system,” Ukpong advised.
He charged the youth to abstain from social vices and engage their hands in agricultural activities, urging the youth to start doing something with their hands, rather than waiting for government jobs which are not so available.
On the theme of the cultural fiesta, tagged, “Celebrating Our Agrarian Culture: A Catalyst For Economic And Social Advancement,” Ukpong said it was inline with the State governor, Pastor Umo Eno’sARISE Agenda in agriculture.
The state government, under the leadership of Pastor Umo Eno has declared every first Friday and third Friday of the month as “farm day”. This is to enable workers engage in farming activities inorder to ensure food security for the people.
The NPC boss also appealed to the people to unite and support the state governor in order to ensure good policies and programmes of His Excellency were properly implemented.
  “I urge the people to cooperate with government at all levels, cooperate with the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, our own son, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio so that they would not fail, but perform creditably inline with Hope Agenda of  President Tinubu lead administration,” Ukpong added.