Akwa Ibom State governor Umo Eno has unveiled plans to establish large-scale model farms across the state’s three senatorial districts as part of efforts to boost food production, strengthen food security and promote agritourism.
The governor also announced that the management of the Ibom Model Farm in Uyo Senatorial District has been transferred to Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), saying the move is aimed at ensuring professional management and long-term sustainability.
Speaking during an inspection of the facility at the weekend, Eno said the Ministry of Agriculture would retain a supervisory role while the university would oversee the day-to-day management of the farm.
“We began this project by providing the farm house. The farm is now going to be managed by Akwa Ibom State University and the Ministry of Agriculture will perform the supervisory role,” the governor said.
Eno explained that the decision reflects his administration’s policy of leveraging institutional expertise and partnerships rather than direct government management of commercial ventures.
He said the Ibom Model Farm was conceived as more than a food production centre, with facilities designed to support recreation and tourism alongside agriculture.
“You can see the ambience of the farm. This is what we expected. People should be able to come here and relax. This is agritourism. Apart from food, there are things that will be happening here,” he said.
According to the governor, the project was inspired by the Songhai Farm model and is expected to serve as the blueprint for similar agricultural projects planned for the state’s remaining two senatorial districts.
He disclosed that additional model farms would be established in Ini Local Government Area to serve Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area for Eket Senatorial District.
Although the project is modelled after Songhai Farm, Eno expressed confidence in the university’s capacity to manage the facility successfully, urging the Vice-Chancellor and experts in the Faculty of Agriculture to make the farm a centre of excellence.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, said the Ibom Model Farm is designed to drive food production while serving as a hub for human capacity development and agritourism.
“The objective beyond food security has been to develop human capacity and also serve as a tool for agritourism. It is going to be everything His Excellency expected it to be,” she said.
Vice-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. Otoabasi Akpan, assured the governor that the institution has the technical expertise to manage the facility effectively and transform it into a model for modern agricultural practice.
He said the initiative aligns with the agricultural revolution pillar of the state’s ARISE Agenda and would contribute significantly to achieving sustainable food security.
“The goal is to provide food security in line with the ARISE Agenda, where the ‘A’ stands for Agricultural Revolution. We thank His Excellency for giving us the opportunity to serve the state,” Akpan said.
