In a bid to address the prevailing hardship and food shortage in Akwa Ibom State, Governor Pastor Umo Eno has announced a groundbreaking initiative: the declaration of the first and third Fridays of every month as farm days, effective from May 3rd, 2024.
Governor Eno made this declaration during the 2024 Workers Day Celebration at the Uyo Township Stadium, emphasizing the importance of returning to farming to tackle the challenges faced by citizens.
He highlighted the prolonged neglect of agriculture and its impact on exacerbating food scarcity, underscoring his administration’s commitment to revitalizing farming through initiatives like the Back-to-Farm Initiative.
To encourage active participation in agriculture, Governor Eno intends for every civil servant in the state to own a farm or farms, ensuring access to basic food items such as vegetables, garri, foofoo, and corn.
Additionally, the government plans to establish a Bulk Purchase Agency as a short-term measure to alleviate hardship.
In a show of support for workers, Governor Eno announced the release of N2 billion for the payment of gratuities to retired civil servants and presented brand new vehicles to chairmen of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to facilitate their operations.
Furthermore, Governor Eno revealed plans to recruit medical personnel into the State Civil Service, signaling a commitment to bolstering healthcare services in the state.
The Chairman of the NLC, Akwa Ibom State chapter, Comrade Sunny James, commended Governor Eno for his compassionate leadership and prompt payment of workers’ wages. He urged the government to address challenges in the petroleum sector, including product hoarding by major marketers, which contributes to fuel price hikes and hardship for citizens.
Comrade James called for the revival of moribund industries in the state to create employment opportunities for youths and appealed to the governor to implement the new minimum wage once approved by the federal government.
Governor Eno’s initiatives underscore a proactive approach to addressing socio-economic challenges and promoting agricultural development as a sustainable solution to hardship in Akwa Ibom State.
