Governor Umo Eno Inaugurates Agriculture, Food Security Committee

Governor Umo Eno inaugurates agriculture, Food security committee. Reaffirms commitment to Agric Revolution and Tourism development in Akwa Ibom State.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to agricultural revolution and tourism development as critical enablers of growth and progress.

Speaking at the inauguration of an 8 – man Agriculture and Food Security Committee at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo, the Governor charged the committee to drive food revolution in the State, by reviewing the State’s food policies, and working closely with small holder farmers, and other stakeholders to achieve food security and price stability.

Governor Eno who served as Executive Director of the State’s Directorate of Agriculture Investment in the last administration, said the State is blessed with arable land and other resources needed to be self sufficient in food production, and called for synergy among relevant stakeholders to achieve the desired result.

He highlighted the State’s potential in agriculture, saying that more work was required in the oil palm sector and urged the committee to recommit themselves to the vision of agricultural revolution.

“Let’s see how we can reach out to every farmer in this State. Can you at a press of a button reach a farmer in Ini Local Government Area? Can you know the farmer in Mbo who is a fish farmer? Can we as a State say to ourselves, this year, this is the kind of harvest we expect for cassava, for maize, for our fish and others.”

He reiterated plans to make the State a tourism hub, either through Agriculture, Sports, Health, and other sectors, and urged the Commissioner for Sports to take advantage of the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival, to work out modalities of having an annual sports festival in the State.

The Governor emphasised that the mandate of the committee is not in anyway in conflict with that of the Ministry of Agriculture, stressing that with the Commissioner for Agriculture as a full member of the committee, synergy was required to ensure success.

He congratulated the members of the committee and expressed confidence in the composition saying that given their pedigree, he was hopeful they will deliver above expectations.

Responding, the Chairman, Prof. Okon Ansa, a Plant Virologist and former State Commissioner, said food security is the strength of any nation or people, adding that the strongest nations are also those that can feed themselves.

Food Security Committee

He appreciated the Governor for considering them fit to serve the State through the committee and assured that they will put in their best to deliver on their mandate, adding that they would ensure that the State will move strongly towards food sufficiency and security.

Other members of the committee are: Prof. Trenchard Ibia, Dr. Etemudo Udongo, Amb. Alphonsus Inyang, Prof Elizabeth Ebukiba, Pastor Godwin Ukwat, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Offiong Offiong and the Director of Agriculture Investment, Mr. Ofonmbuk Nelson as Secretary.

Ati Annang Community Foundation’s 6th Executive Council Receives Royal Blessings In Akwa Ibom

Ati annang community foundation’s 6th executive council receives royal blessings in Akwa Ibom. The newly inaugurated 6th Executive Council of Ati Annang Foundation, one of Annang Land’s foremost socio-cultural organizations, has embarked on a series of high-profile visits to traditional leaders and key stakeholders, seeking wisdom and royal blessings for a successful tenure.

As part of this strategic outreach, the new leadership, led by the International President of Ati Annang, Adede Aniekpeno Mkpanang, paid a courtesy visit to Afe Annang, the apex socio-cultural body in Annang Land. The delegation was warmly received by Itai Afe Annang in Council, Obong Blaise Awakama, and other esteemed members of Afe Annang at his residence.

Speaking during the visit, President Mkpanang reaffirmed Ati Annang’s commitment to fostering unity and progress across Annang Land.

He emphasized that the visit was not only to introduce the new executive but also to solidify collaborative efforts that will promote cultural preservation and socio-economic development. He commended Obong Blaise Awakama for his steadfast leadership in upholding Annang heritage and pledged continued engagement with Afe Annang in advancing the region’s collective aspirations.

The President also acknowledged the contributions of past Ati Annang leaders, including pioneer president Sir Emem Akpabio and immediate past president Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN, whose dedication helped shape the organization’s vision. He assured the elders of sustained consultations as the new administration works towards greater unity and advancement for the Annang people.

In a further demonstration of commitment to cultural continuity, the Ati Annang delegation visited Afe Nkuku Annang, the grand Council of Paramount Rulers of Annang land. At this gathering, Royal blessings were bestowed upon the new leadership by the notable traditional rulers, including His Royal Majesty, Akuku Professor Amanam Akpanudo Udo, Paramount Ruler of Etim Ekpo, and His Royal Majesty, Akuku Cosmas Akpan, the Akwa Akuku Annang and Paramount Ruler of Essien Udim. Others present were HRM, Akuku Udo Ukut of Ikot Ekpene, HRM Akuku Joseph Okosi Ekot 111 of Ika, HRM, Akuku Saviour Udofia of Abak, HRM, Akuku J. J. Obosi of Oruk Anam and HRM, Akuku (Engr.) Amos Akpan poured royal blessings on the new leadership of Ati Annang for greater impact on the people.

The meeting reinforced the deep-rooted ties between Ati Annang and Annang’s traditional institutions. Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sir Emem Akpabio, used the occasion to advocate for the preservation of the Annang language, urging parents to teach their children their mother tongue.

He highlighted Ati Annang’s partnership with the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), which has successfully secured federal government approval for the Annang Language Curriculum.

Ati Annang

Commending the proactive leadership of the new Ati Annang executive, Obong Blaise Awakama praised their engagement with key stakeholders, stressing that such collaborations will strengthen Annang’s unity and cultural identity. He urged the leadership to remain steadfast in promoting the ideals of togetherness and progress.

The high-profile delegation included Deputy President, Sir Victor Udofia, International Treasurer, Dr. Mandu Ekpeyong, International PRO 1, Mr. Idorenyin Essien, and Chapter Chairmen from Abak, Essien Udim, Uyo, and Ikot Ekpene.

These visits mark the beginning of a new chapter for Ati Annang Foundation, setting the stage for enhanced cooperation between the organization and Annang’s revered traditional institutions.

With Royal blessings and strategic collaborations in place, the 6th Executive Council is poised to drive impactful initiatives for the collective growth of Annang land.

Idorenyin Godwin Essien , is the Public Relations Officer 1 of Ati Annang Foundation and writes from Ika Local Government Area.

Gov. Eno Commended NDDC For Bringing Niger Delta Sports Festival To Akwa Ibom, Drums Support

Gov. Eno commended NDDC for bringing Niger Delta Sports Festival to Akwa Ibom, drums support.…Announces upcoming town square meeting in Oron.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has expressed happiness as the state prepares to host the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival, set to kick off tomorrow , April 2nd by 4 PM at the Uyo Sports Stadium.

Speaking today during the April edition of the Monthly Covenant Service at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, the Governor described it as a privilege for Akwa Ibom to be the first state to host this prestigious event.

He encouraged residents to attend and show support for the festival, emphasizing that it will attract distinguished guests and visitors from across the country. He also urged citizens to rally behind the participating athletes as they showcase their talents.

Governor Eno commended the NDDC for bringing the event to Akwa Ibom and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for their dedication and hard work in ensuring the smooth planning and execution of the festival.
He expressed confidence that the NDDC Sports Festival will be a resounding success, highlighting its potential to promote sports, culture, and tourism in the state.

Looking ahead, the Governor announced plans for the first-ever Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, which he believes should become an annual event.

He reaffirmed his commitment to providing platforms for local athletes to excel, while also boosting sports tourism in the state. According to him, Akwa Ibom will continue to be a focal point for sports and tourism initiatives in Nigeria.

In addition to sports development, Governor Eno also revealed plans for a Tourism Summit, aimed at positioning Akwa Ibom as a leading tourism destination in Nigeria.

As part of this initiative, the government will develop a structured tourism calendar to showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage, festivals, and tourism potential throughout the year. He noted that these efforts align with his administration’s vision to make Akwa Ibom a prime destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Umo Eno on Sports

Additionally, the Governor informed attendees about the upcoming Town Square Meeting scheduled for April 5 in Oron, marking the second in a series of such engagements. Reflecting on the success of the inaugural meeting in Abak, he expressed optimism that each subsequent session will build on the last, fostering greater engagement between the government and the people.

He reiterated his commitment to bringing governance closer to the people through these town hall meetings and looked forward to hearing directly from the people of Oron in the coming days.