…As  Ministry Distributes Farm Inputs

The Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, has called on Principals General of Public Secondary Schools in Akwa Ibom State to rekindle students’ interest in practical agriculture as a pathway to building sustainable and profitable career in agriculture .

 Offor who made this call recently , during the flag-off ceremony for the distribution of farm inputs to secondary schools, held at State College, Ikot Ekpene, emphasized that instilling agricultural consciousness in students will contribute significantly to future food security.

“We must reawaken the mindset that returning to the farm is essential—not just to feed ourselves but to have enough for commerce,” she urged.

Highlighting the central role of food in human development, Offor stressed the importance of integrating agricultural education into the school’s system.

The Commissioner also expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno  Ph.D. for his consistent support to various categories of farmers, including those in Public Schools, Co-operatives, Local Government Councils, Small-scale farmers Commercial farmers, among others.

Commending the efforts of school administrators, she appreciated the Principals General for maintaining school farms and students for their active involvement in agriculture .

Speaking on the significance of the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Atim Okoko, stated that the distribution of farm inputs is part of ongoing efforts aligned with the ARISE Agenda to ensure food sufficiency in the State.

“We are committed to supporting farmers at all levels. These farm inputs are for planting, use them wisely,”  Okoko said.

In his welcome address, the Principal General of State College, Ikot Ekpene, Mr. Sylvester Udom, expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Agriculture for their proactive support.

Udom noted that farm inputs distributed in the previous year had significantly improved their school farm, which is now seen as a model.

Also speaking, the Principal General of Nigeria Christian Secondary School, Ukpom, Abak, Mr. Imo Okori, and Eno Elpo Ekerette of Gorreti Secondary School, Ikot Ekpene, applauded the initiative to involve public schools in the State’s agricultural programs.

They also welcomed the establishment of a dedicated School Agriculture Unit within the Ministry.

Both principals hailed Governor Umo Eno Ph. D. for prioritizing agriculture in Schools, describing it as a timely move towards achieving food sufficiency in Akwa Ibom.

The event climaxed with the symbolic presentation of hybrid cassava cuttings to Schools within  Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, by the Commissioner.