… as Gov Eno reiterates commitment to supporting Youths in Agriculture
In furtherance of the food sufficiency agenda of the State government as contained in the ARISE Agenda, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has disclosed his administration’s intention to partner with Blackrock Farms in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area to scale up production.
Governor Eno who made a detour to the farm after his visit to local government farms at Nsit Ibom and Nsit Ubium, respectively as well as the Songhai Model Farm, said his administration was committed to supporting young people who are ready and willing to venture into agriculture and other commercially rewarding enterprise for the overall benefit of the State.
He particularly expressed delight at the natural environment where the fish were bred and commended the farm’s Chief Executive, Mr Obot Isaiah Obot, who he described as an embodiment of the ARISE spirit, for his ingenuity and interest in investing in the State.
He advised young people to emulate Mr Obot and rise beyond chants of ‘build the youths’ to make deliberate efforts to build themselves by contributing their quota to the development of the State.
Governor Eno directed the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr.
Offiong Offor, to liaise with Mr Obot and explore areas of partnership that will enable the farm to achieve its full potential.
In a chat with Government House correspondents, Mr. Obot, a Nigerian-American who relocated to the state about three years ago from California, said the farm is a memorial of his late father’s humble beginnings and a way of giving back to his community by creating jobs, and equally adding value to the great job the government under the leadership of Governor Umo Eno has been doing for the people.
He said the farm which is connected to a natural water source, has the capacity to produce over 600, 000 different breeds of fish per annum, and also runs a piggery, poultry and many other agricultural ventures.
Mr Obot, a native of Afia Nsit Urua Nko, in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, described the visit by Governor Eno as a great honour and motivation, promising to redouble efforts to scale up production and business operations on the farm.
He commended the Governor for giving priority attention and commitment to agriculture which he said will make staple foods to be readily available and affordable in the state in the long run.
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