By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The has commended a climate-smart agriculture initiative spearheaded by an indigenous non-governmental organisation in partnership with a leading farming firm in the state.
Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security and member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, Hon. Moses Essien, gave the commendation during an oversight visit to the demonstration farm at Usung Idem, Uruk Usoh in Abak Local Government Area.
The initiative is being implemented by the (ECEWS) in collaboration with as part of efforts to promote food security through climate-smart agricultural practices.
Speaking during the visit, Essien described the project as a practical model capable of generating employment, improving nutrition outcomes, and strengthening food sufficiency in the state. He noted that the farming firm has created jobs for over 2,000 youths, contributing significantly to poverty reduction and economic inclusion.
According to the lawmaker, the initiative aligns with the development agenda of Governor , which encourages partnerships with credible private organisations and development agencies to complement government efforts in key sectors.
Essien observed that while ECEWS is widely recognised for interventions in health and education, its expansion into agriculture and nutrition represents a strategic boost to the administration’s ARISE Agenda. He particularly lauded the greenhouse technology deployed by Aviclaire Farms, noting that year-round cultivation of crops such as pepper and tomatoes would enhance food availability and dietary quality.
He urged residents of Akwa Ibom to embrace modern, technology-driven agriculture, stressing that despite Nigeria’s oil wealth, agriculture remains the backbone of the nation’s economy.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of ECEWS, Dr. Andy Eyo, who conducted members of the committee round the facility, explained that the collaboration was conceived to demonstrate the viability of climate-smart farming in ensuring continuous food production and local sufficiency.
He disclosed that the farm began operations with four greenhouses and has expanded to fourteen within two years, supplying high-quality produce to major markets in Uyo and neighbouring communities. According to him, produce worth approximately ₦19 million was realised within the first five months of operations, underscoring the commercial potential of greenhouse farming.
Eyo added that the organisation is exploring cooperative frameworks to enable rural farmers and women’s groups to adopt greenhouse technology for sustainable livelihoods.
In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Aviclaire Farms, Mrs. Victoria Eyo, described the facility as a demonstration and training hub focused on innovation, education, and community engagement. She explained that the controlled-environment greenhouses ensure precision cultivation and consistent yields while serving as a capacity-building centre for students, interns, and agribusiness entrepreneurs.
Also speaking, the Technical Director and Regional Sales Manager of , Mr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, said the company provides technical support for greenhouse installation and management to optimise productivity. He described the system as technology-driven “brain-fed agriculture” that regulates sunlight intensity and creates ideal growth conditions for crops.
