Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State says the state has concluded plans to implement an oil palm revolution aimed at strengthening economic prosperity and boosting agricultural output.
Mr Eno made this known on Friday while inaugurating an 11-kilometre road project executed under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Akon Eyakenyi, said the initiative would enhance food production and ensure greater self-sufficiency in the state.
He explained that the administration had developed a coordinated plan to significantly expand oil palm cultivation, processing and marketing across all 31 local government areas.
According to him, the government will provide farmers with improved oil palm seedlings, financial support and assistance in land preparation to encourage large-scale agricultural investment.
Mr Eno also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development, noting that ongoing projects were designed to improve the quality of life of residents across the state.
He stated that all local government areas had benefited from various developmental projects including roads, schools and healthcare facilities.
“The essence is giving Akwa Ibom people services that will improve their quality of life,” he said.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Offiong Offor, said the state government had fulfilled its counterpart funding obligations for the RAAMP initiative.
She noted that improved rural infrastructure would help reduce rural-urban migration by creating economic opportunities within local communities.
According to her, the project has already delivered about 202 kilometres of rural roads across 18 local government areas in the state.
“We have established 19 road maintenance groups comprising 65 members across 14 local government areas; this is to ensure sustainability and proper rural road maintenance,” she said.
Ms Offor also expressed appreciation to development partners including the World Bank, the French Development Agency and the International Labour Organisation for their support.
The National Project Coordinator of RAAMP, Aminu Mohammed, described Akwa Ibom as one of the standout states among the 19 participating states in the programme.
He said the state’s performance had qualified it for the second phase of the project, describing it as evidence of consistency and effective implementation.
Mr Mohammed explained that the project integrates rural road construction, agro-logistics centres and market infrastructure to boost agricultural productivity.
He added that the initiative is expected to increase income generation and expand economic opportunities for rural dwellers across participating communities.
