By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
Akwa Ibom House of Assembly have commended a climate-smart agriculture initiative by an indigeneous non governmental organisation in partnership with a thriving farming firm in the state.
The NGO, Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS) oiphek has been working with Aviclaire Farms in ensuring food security through a “transformative intervention”, complementing the state government drive against malnutrition and food insecurity.
Chairman, House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security and member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, Mr Moses Essien gave the commendation yesterday, during an oversight visit by his Committee to the firm ‘s demonstration farm at Usung Idem, Uruk Usoh in Abak Local Council.
Speaking during the visit, Essien lauded the initiative as a practical model of climate-smart agriculture capable of generating employment, improving nutrition outcomes, and strengthening food sufficiency in the state.
The Lawmaker said that he was impressed with the strides recorded by the agric firm , which already has created jobs for over 2,000 youths, thus contributing meaningfully to poverty reduction and economic inclusion.
He reasoned that the initiative aligns with the open-door development policy of Governor Umo Eno, which encourages partnerships with credible private organisations and development agencies to complement government efforts in critical sectors.
Essien observed that although ECEWS is widely recognised for its interventions in health and education, its expansion into agriculture and nutrition represents a strategic boost to the ARISE Agenda of the present administration.
He lauded the greenhouse technology deployed by Aviclaire Farms, noting that year-round cultivation of crops such as pepper and tomatoes would significantly enhance food availability and dietary quality in families.
Essien urged residents of Akwa Ibom to embrace modern and technology-driven agriculture, noting that despite the oil boom era in the country, agriculture still remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of ECEWS, Dr. Andy Eyo, who conducted members of the committee round the farm, explained that the collaboration was conceived to demonstrate the viability of climate-smart farming in ensuring continuous food production and local sufficiency.
Eyo disclosed that the farm commenced operations with four greenhouses and has expanded to fourteen within two years, supplying high-quality produce to major markets in Uyo and neighbouring communities.
Eyo further revealed that produce worth approximately ₦19 million was realised within the first five months of operations, underscoring the commercial potential of greenhouse farming adding 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 operations of the farm to include , demonstration, and training hub focused on innovation, education, and community engagement.
She stated that the controlled-environment greenhouses ensure precision cultivation and consistent yields while serving as a capacity-building centre for students, interns, and those in agric business.
Also speaking, the Technical Director and Regional Sales Manager of Dizengoff Nigeria, 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.
