By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday in Uyo inaugurated an ultra-modern agricultural equipment leasing facility, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to transition farmers from subsistence practices to mechanised, commercial agriculture.
The facility, positioned as a central hub for agricultural mechanisation, offers equipment leasing for land preparation services and technical support to farmers.
It is equipped with critical infrastructure, including administrative buildings, a fully fitted maintenance workshop, tractor sheds, as well as a fleet of tractors with accompanying implements and two low-bed trailers to ensure efficient deployment and operations.
Speaking at the event, Eno described the project as a key pillar of his administration’s ARISE Agenda, designed to boost food security, increase availability, and ultimately reduce the cost of food across the state.
The governor urged farmers, cooperatives, and agribusiness operators to take full advantage of the facility to scale up production and embrace agriculture as a viable and profitable enterprise.
“This facility is primed to help our farmers move from peasant farming to commercial-scale production. Agriculture must no longer be seen as a subsistence venture, but as a business with strong economic returns,” he said.
Highlighting complementary efforts by his administration, Eno disclosed that the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) has been engaged to manage the Ibom Model Farms and greenhouses along Airport Road, in a move to strengthen capacity, research, and productivity within the sector.
He further stressed the importance of youth involvement in agriculture, noting that the equipment leasing initiative represents the first phase of broader interventions aimed at making farming attractive to young people.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, earlier provided an overview of the project, while the General Manager of the facility, Engr. Ifiok Ekot, assured of effective and sustainable management.
