The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. (Mrs.) Offiong Offor, has charged Heads of Public Primary Schools in Akwa Ibom State to instill in pupils a passion for agriculture from an early stage of their development.

Offor gave the charge on Thursday, April 30, 2026, during the flag-off and distribution of improved farm inputs to public primary schools across the state, held at St. Athanasius Catholic Primary School, Nung Oku, in Ibesikpo Local Government Area.

She noted that the initiative represents a renewed commitment to raising a generation of young people who are practically equipped with life-sustaining skills and prepared to become future farmers.

The Commissioner commended His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, for approving the laudable initiative and for his consistent support to farmers and public schools in the drive towards food sufficiency.

Offor further explained that by empowering public schools and introducing the Young Farmers Club, the government is planting seeds today for a greener and stronger tomorrow.

Speaking on the purpose of the exercise, Mr. Richard Oscar recalled that the intervention is part of the Schools Agricultural Programme, initiated in 2014 as a five-year pilot scheme and sustained by the State Government from 2019.

Oscar added that the programme is intended to reawaken the consciousness of youths to embrace agriculture as a profitable business venture.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Rt. Hon. Anietie Etuk, represented by the Director, Green School & Climate Change Education Initiative, Mrs. Ubong Udoh, lauded the programme, noting that Public Primary Schools have consistently benefited from such empowerment initiatives.

In their separate remarks, the Head Teacher of St. Athanasius Catholic Primary School, Nung Oku, Mrs. Beatrice Nse, and the Village Head of Nung Oku appreciated Governor Umo Eno and the Ministry of Agriculture for their commitment to food production, promising their continued support.

The event also featured the presentation of an appreciation award to the Commissioner by the Iko Eyo Multi-purpose Cooperative Society in recognition of her performance.