By Emma Akpabio
The Federal Government has commended Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State for his administration’s strides in agricultural revolution as it unveiled a fresh batch of interest-free loans for farmers under the Renewed Hope Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP 3.0).
The rollout formed part of the South-South Media Sensitisation and Outreach on FarmerMoni held at Ibom Hall, Uyo, organised by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
Delivering a keynote on behalf of NSIPA, GEEP National Programme Manager, Mr Hamza Ibrahim Baba, described the scheme as a major push for financial inclusion, productivity, and food security.
He stressed that FarmerMoni offers collateral-free, recoverable loans of up to N300,000, with a 6–9 month moratorium tied to farming cycles and digital monitoring to ensure accountability.
The national programme manager also inaugurated FarmerMoni desk officers across the 31 local government areas, noting that effective mobilisation, transparency, and monitoring would determine the programme’s success.
The FG highlighted Akwa Ibom’s gains across oil palm, cassava, rice, fisheries, poultry, and coconut, citing agro-industrialisation, mechanisation, improved seedlings, and investments in infrastructure such as the Ibom Equipment Leasing Facility and model farms.
In her remarks, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, described FarmerMoni as “more than credit – it is a tool for dignity, enterprise, and economic mobility,” aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on poverty reduction and inclusion.
She reaffirmed the state’s commitment to people-centred development, noting that over 600,000 households have benefited from food support programmes, while more than 10,000 entrepreneurs have been empowered through ARISE initiatives. She added that ongoing projects such as the Ibom Model Farm, the revitalisation of AKADEP, and expanded access to mechanised farming through subsidised leasing are strengthening productivity and sustainability across the agricultural sector.
Princess Ibanga noted that the state’s integrated approach; spanning grants, inputs, extension services, and value-chain development is designed to ensure long-term sustainability for farmers and small businesses.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Offiong Offor, said the state is advancing an agricultural revolution under the ARISE Agenda, aligning with Federal Government interventions to strengthen food security and rural prosperity.
Further insights from programme officials indicated that FarmerMoni targets farmers, traders, and micro-entrepreneurs across key value chains, with flexible repayment structures and an emphasis on cooperative participation to enhance access and impact.
Stakeholders, including farmer groups, development partners, and disability advocates, called for inclusive implementation, ensuring women, rural dwellers, and persons with disabilities fully benefit from the scheme.
The FG reiterated that the loans are not grants, urging beneficiaries to utilise funds strictly for agribusiness and adhere to repayment terms.
Both Federal and State Governments emphasised sustained collaboration and media engagement as critical to expanding awareness and access, reaffirming their commitment to inclusive growth, social protection, and grassroots economic empowerment.
