As Gov. Eno Reiterates Commitment to Supporting Youths in Agriculture
In furtherance of the food sufficiency agenda of the state government as outlined in the ARISE Agenda, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced his administration’s intention to partner with Blackrock Farms in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area to scale up production.
Governor Eno, who visited the farm after touring local government farms in Nsit Ibom and Nsit Ubium, as well as the Songhai Model Farm, emphasized his administration’s commitment to supporting young people who are willing to venture into agriculture and other commercially rewarding enterprises for the overall benefit of the state.
He expressed particular delight at the natural environment where the fish were bred and commended the farm’s Chief Executive, Mr. Obot Isaiah Obot, whom he described as an embodiment of the ARISE spirit, for his ingenuity and willingness to invest in the state.
He advised young people to emulate Mr. Obot and rise beyond chants of ‘build the youths’ by making deliberate efforts to build themselves and contribute 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 to his late father’s humble beginnings and a way of giving back to his community by creating jobs and adding value to the great work the government, under the leadership of Governor Umo Eno, has been doing for the people.
He stated that the farm, 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 various 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 honor and motivation, promising to redouble efforts to scale up production and business operations at the farm.
He commended the Governor for prioritizing agriculture, which he said will make staple foods readily available and affordable in the state in the long run.
