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… Afaha Ebughu, Oyoku, Eyulor Farmers Community Associations received Farm Inputs
In continuation of the empowerment program for Farmers Community Associations in the State, the Akwa Ibom State Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (AK-CARES) team has berthed Mbo and Urue Offong Oruko Local Government Areas.
Addressing the beneficiaries last Friday at Mount Zion Primary School, Afaha Ukak, Ebughu, Mbo Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. (Mrs.) Offiong Offor, applauded the State government’s commitment to agricultural empowerment and added that, such efforts will boost production.
Represented by the Director of Animal Husbandry in the Ministry, Dr. Nnamokwo Orok, Offor acknowledged the adverse effects of COVID-19 on farming operations due to movement restrictions and other disruptions in year 2020, saying the intervention will assist farmers to bounce back into agricultural production and agribusiness.
“The assets you have received today belong to you. This calls for responsibility. if you handle these assets well, they will contribute to your prosperity; if you mismanage them, it’s your loss. Rear these animals, sell them when they are matured to maximize your income,” she advised.
The Commissioner emphasized on preventive measures against the recent outbreak of African swine fever diagnosed to have infected pigs in Nigeria and cautioned the beneficiaries to protect their livestock from contracting the disease.
While setting the tone for the event, the State Project Coordinator, Mr. Richard Sam, expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for facilitating the distribution of inputs through the AK-CARES program to Farmers Community Associations across the State, saying, this approach is an indication of the governor’s commitment to the “Arise Agenda,” which gives premium to agricultural revolution and rural development.
Sam, passionately urged the recipients to put the inputs and assets received to good use, in order to reciprocate the State government’s good intentions for the program and disclosed that an independent agent will periodically monitor the progress of their farms to assess progress.
In a related development, the team has also AK-CARES) has provided essential agricultural inputs to farmers in Oyoku and Eyulor Farmers Community Associations, as a relief to COVID-19 pandemic.
Performing the exercise, at the Methodist Central School in Oyubia, Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. (Mrs.) Offiong Offor expressed gratitude to the Governor Umo Eno for his continuous support to farmers in the State through the AK-CARES initiative.
While appreciating the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Food Sufficiency for partnering with the State government to empower farmers, Offor said the donor agencies have confidence in Governor Umo Eno’s investment in agriculture, hence they have chosen to invest in Akwa Ibom State to ensure food production.
She lauded the commitment and tireless efforts of the Chairman of AK-CARES, Commissioner for Economic Development, Mr. Emem Bob, State Project Coordinator, Mr. Richard Sam and the entire AK-CARES team for ensuring the successful rollout of the life touching program.
Represented by the Director of Animal Husbandry, Dr Nnamuko Orok, the Commissioner advised the beneficiaries to refrain from selling the inputs and assets provided, but encouraged them to put the resources to good use, in order to expand their farms.
“Put the inputs to good use and earn more money. This will continue to increase your investment and improve your livelihoods. Do well to contact our extension agents in your Local Government Area for technical support to ensure maximal productivity,” she stated.
In his remarks, the State Project Coordinator, FADAMA, Mr. Richard Sam, who outlined the importance of the program and the state’s commitment to agricultural development, assured that the team will include in the near future, other Farmers Community Associations, who are not accommodated in the present distribution exercise.
“AK-CARES is particular about accountability, thus there will be three rounds of farm inspection by Independent Verification Agents, a third-party team, and the State government team to verify the progress of your farm. This will form the basis for your FCA to benefit from future AK-CARES empowerment programs, therefore make the most use of these inputs,” Sam maintained.
Appreciating the gesture, Bishop Onukak Afahaene, Chairman of Oyoku FCA, Mr. Usuyak Usuyak, Chairman of Eyulor FCA, among others in the Local Government Areas, emphasized the importance of farming as a foundation for sustainable livelihood and applauded the donors for the empowerment.
“We thank our farmer-friendly governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and other partners for their support. We pledge that the inputs received would be used productively, to ensure food sufficiency in the State,” they declared.
The items distributed to the Farmers Community Associations include; poultry birds, feeds, boars, gilts, does, buck and drugs.
