Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, has directed that the Akwa Ibom State Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP) become a stand-alone agency under the supervision of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, ahead of the official launch of the Tree Crop Revolution in November 2025.
Governor Eno issued the directive during an unscheduled inspection of facilities at the AKADEP premises in Uyo. He also ordered the immediate overhaul and remodeling of the infrastructure within the premises to prepare for the new agricultural initiative.
“The Tree Crop Revolution is an important step in transforming our agriculture sector,” the Governor said, noting that the restructuring of AKADEP is part of the broader strategy to ensure efficiency and proper coordination of agricultural projects in the state.
The Tree Crop Revolution, announced recently by the Governor, is designed to expand palm oil production using high-yield varieties. It aims to create generational wealth for Akwa Ibom people, particularly those in rural communities, while restoring the state’s reputation as a premier palm oil producing region in Nigeria.
The programme will be managed by the Akwa Ibom State Agriculture and Food Security Committee, chaired by Professor Okon Ansa, a former Commissioner for Agriculture in the state. Other members include Professor Trenchard Ibia, also a former Commissioner for Agriculture.
According to the directive, the Committee will operate from the AKADEP premises and collaborate closely with the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to ensure the successful launch of the Tree Crop Revolution across all ten Federal Constituencies.
The facility is expected to serve as a nursery for palm fruit seedlings that will be distributed to farmers throughout the constituencies. The Agriculture and Food Security Committee will also oversee the off-taking of produce during harvest seasons.
In addition, AKADEP will assign at least two extension workers to each farm in the ten Federal Constituencies to provide technical guidance and ensure effective monitoring of farming activities.
The initiative is expected to enhance agribusiness, boost rural employment, and improve food security across Akwa Ibom State.