Destiny Young | October 20, 2025
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State is charting a bold and visionary course to reduce the state’s overreliance on oil revenue by repositioning agriculture as a key driver of economic growth. Central to this strategy is the elevation of the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme, AKADEP, transforming it into a distinct agency directly supervised by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, currently led by Prince Enobong Uwah. This decision underscores the Governor’s commitment to diversifying the state’s economy and unleashing the vast potential of its agricultural value chain.
Prince Enobong Uwah, a pragmatic and experienced administrator, brings a wealth of management and public service experience to his role. His proven track record in leadership roles across various ministries and development agencies equips him to deliver on the Governor’s vision for agricultural transformation. By placing AKADEP under his direct oversight, the Government ensures that agricultural policies and programmes receive focused leadership for efficient execution and impact.
AKADEP serves as a critical extension agency, empowering farmers through information dissemination, access to improved seeds, and sustainable agricultural practices. The recent status upgrade of AKADEP comes with targeted programmes such as the Tree Crop Revolution, designed to restore Akwa Ibom’s palm oil industry with high-yielding palm varieties, catalysing rural economic growth and wealth creation across communities.
Governor Eno’s efforts signal a strategic pivot away from dependence on volatile oil revenues towards a sustainable agricultural economy that generates employment, stabilises food supply, and enhances income levels for rural farmers. Coupled with enlightened leadership from Prince Uwah, the repositioning of AKADEP is poised to accelerate Akwa Ibom’s socio-economic progress, unlocking new opportunities in agro-processing and export while fostering inclusive growth.
This agricultural renaissance aligns with the Governor’s broader agenda for economic diversification, modern infrastructure development, and a resilient economy. By harnessing the state’s natural endowments and human capital through keen oversight of AKADEP, Akwa Ibom is on a promising path to becoming an agricultural powerhouse in the Niger Delta and beyond. The administration’s integrated approach signals a future where prosperity is driven by innovative agricultural value addition rather than the limited oil sector, securing a more stable and prosperous future for all Akwa Ibom citizens.
Prince Enobong Uwah’s stewardship of AKADEP complements his distinguished leadership history, where he has demonstrated excellence in environmental management, urban development, and protocol coordination. The synergy between Governor Eno’s vision and Prince Uwah’s administration creates a compelling framework for transforming Akwa Ibom’s economy through revitalised agriculture-led industrialisation.
