By Victor Essang
ESIT EKET
A major milestone has been recorded in community-driven sustainable development as the Women in Nature Conservation Organization (WINCO) announced the successful completion of its UNDP–GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP)–funded Jackfruit Pilot Cottage Industry and Poultry Training Farm in Eket Offiong Community, Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking during an inspection visit to the project site, the Chief Executive Officer of WINCO, Mrs Emem Umoh, expressed satisfaction with the level of work achieved so far, describing the project as a vision brought to life through strong partnerships and community collaboration. She disclosed that the facility is now at the final stage and is awaiting formal commissioning in the coming weeks.
According to Mrs Umoh, the initiative is designed to promote sustainable livelihoods, boost local agro-based enterprise and strengthen capacity building within the host community.
She noted that beyond the cottage industry and poultry training components, the project also places strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, with jackfruit plantation development and extensive tree planting currently ongoing.
“The Jackfruit Pilot Cottage Industry and Poultry Training Farm represents our commitment to empowering communities through skills acquisition, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable livelihoods and income-generating opportunities,” she said, adding, “We are particularly excited that this project has come to fruition and will soon be officially commissioned for full operation.”
Mrs Umoh commended the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) Nigeria for what she described as “massive and impactful support,” stressing that the success of the project would not have been possible without the funding and technical backing provided by the programme.
She further expressed heartfelt appreciation to Akwa Ibom State Government through the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, the Executive Chairman of Esit Eket LGA, stakeholders, Eket Offiong Community leaders and people for their cooperation, dedication and sense of ownership throughout the project implementation process.
Also speaking, The Clan Head of Eket Offiong, HRH Nsoduok Eteudo Ikot, expressed happiness over the completion of the funded projects in his domain and thanked UNDP GEF -SGP for considering the area suitable for the citing of the projects.
He lauded the CEO for her resilience and dedication which attracted the sponsors to take interest in the projects and prayed God to continue to bless the endeavours of WINCO.
The project is expected to serve as a model for community-based sustainable development in Akwa Ibom State, offering local processing of 12 innovative Jackfruit pilot value chain products, training opportunities, enhancing food security, promoting environmental conservation and improving the socio-economic well-being of beneficiaries, particularly women and youths.
Present at the inspection were, WINCO BOT members; Rev Mmaruwem Edo; Hon. Akaniniyene George and one of WINCO’ partners; Defender of the Environment and Social Justice Initiative (DESJI) represented by Mr Andy Umoh.
With commissioning on the horizon, stakeholders have expressed optimism that the facility will make a lasting impact and reinforce the role of grassroots initiatives in advancing sustainable development goals across the region.
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