Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has inaugurated the Ibom Equipment Leasing Facility at Ekpri Nsukara, Uyo, as part of efforts to deepen mechanised agriculture, strengthen food security and reduce food prices in the state.
Speaking during the unveiling on Wednesday, Governor Eno said the facility was a major component of his administration’s ARISE Agenda and would help farmers move from subsistence agriculture to commercial-scale production.
He said the project was designed to increase agricultural productivity, improve access to modern farming equipment and make farming more attractive to young people, cooperatives and agribusiness operators.
“This facility is primed to help our farmers move from peasant farming to commercial-scale production. Agriculture must no longer be seen as a subsistence venture, but as a business with strong economic returns,” the Governor said.
Governor Eno urged farmers, cooperatives and agribusiness operators to take advantage of the facility to expand production and contribute to the state’s food security drive.
He also disclosed that Akwa Ibom State University had been engaged to manage the Ibom Model Farms and greenhouses along Airport Road, Uyo, as part of efforts to strengthen research, capacity building and productivity in the agricultural sector.
The Governor said the equipment leasing initiative marked the first phase of broader interventions aimed at increasing youth participation in agriculture and positioning the sector as a viable business platform.
The facility will serve as a central hub for agricultural mechanisation. It offers equipment leasing services for land preparation, as well as technical support for farmers and agribusinesses.
It is equipped with administrative blocks, a maintenance workshop, tractor bays, tractors with implements and two low-bed trailers to support field operations.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, gave an overview of the project, while the General Manager of the facility, Engr. Ifiok Ekot, assured that the hub would be managed effectively and sustainably.
Stakeholders from Uyo Local Government Area commended the initiative and pledged support for its success.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Paramount Ruler of Uyo, Edidem Sylvanus Okon; the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia; the Village Head of Ekpri Nsukara; and a former Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Monday Eyo, who spoke on behalf of stakeholders in Uyo Local Government Area.
