Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commissioned a modern agricultural equipment leasing hub as part of efforts to drive mechanised farming and boost food production across the state.
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The facility, located at Ekpri Nsukara in Uyo, is positioned as a key component of the Agricultural Revolution pillar of the administration’s ARISE Agenda. Speaking during the commissioning, the Governor said the project is designed to move agriculture in the state away from subsistence practices to a structured, mechanised and commercially viable enterprise.
According to him, “agriculture is big business,” stressing that farmers must begin to see it not merely as a means of survival but as a profitable venture capable of transforming livelihoods and strengthening the state’s economy.
Governor Eno disclosed that the leasing hub represents the first phase of a broader intervention strategy, with additional phases expected to expand access to modern farming tools across the state. He added that the state government has approved a 50 per cent subsidy on equipment leasing to ease the burden on farmers and encourage wider participation.
“This is deliberate. We want our farmers to cultivate more land, produce more food, and ultimately bring down the cost of food items across the state,” he said, calling on farmers and cooperatives to take full advantage of the initiative.
The Governor commended the project engineer, Engr. Alorye Ogar, describing her as a symbol of excellence and dedication. He noted that she was selected through the ARISE Procurement Portal based on competence and urged young people, particularly women, to emulate her example.
He also praised the facility manager, Engr. Ifiok Ekott, for what he described as “exceptional commitment and clarity in delivering the vision,” adding that the management team has demonstrated capacity to sustain the project.
Governor Eno further called on local government chairmen to leverage the facility by hiring equipment for use by farmers in their respective councils, noting that increased cultivation will translate to improved harvests, food sufficiency and affordability.
Since assuming office, the administration has introduced a series of interventions targeted at food security. These include periodic free food distribution described as a temporary relief measure, the declaration of every third Friday as a work-free day for civil servants to engage in farming, and the distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, said the Governor’s focus on agriculture has already begun to yield measurable results. He described the leasing hub as a strategic investment that will significantly improve farming efficiency and productivity.
Dr. Offor disclosed that the facility is equipped with 25 tractors alongside implements such as planters, harrows, ploughs and ridgers, all available for lease to farmers at subsidised rates.
Speaking on behalf of commercial farmers, Engr. Hogan Bassey, welcomed the initiative, noting that it addresses one of the major constraints faced by farmers — the high cost of hiring equipment.
He explained that cultivating one hectare of land currently costs about N150,000 in tractor hiring fees, amounting to roughly N1.5 million for ten hectares. “This intervention will significantly reduce production costs and encourage expansion,” he said.
In separate remarks, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, lauded the Governor for what he described as consistent development efforts in Uyo and across the state, assuring him of continued support from residents.
Also speaking, Hon. Monday Eyo, on behalf of stakeholders in Uyo Local Government Area, expressed appreciation for the siting of the project in the area and reaffirmed support for the administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
Traditional leaders, including the Paramount Ruler of Uyo, Edidem Sylvanus Okon, and Ette Idung Emem Dennis of Ekpri Nsukara, pledged community support and protection for the facility, describing it as a major development for the host community.
On his part, the facility manager, Engr. Ekott, assured that the management and staff are committed to maintaining operational standards and ensuring that the hub delivers on its objectives.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakeneyi, Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson, alongside other senior government officials.
