As Akwa Ibom State prepares to launch the Tree Crop Revolution, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Enobong Uwah, has reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving all targets set by His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, Ph.D., in advancing the state’s agricultural transformation agenda.
This assurance was given during an inaugural strategy meeting convened by the SSG with the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP) and the State Committee on Agriculture and Food Security at Government House, Uyo.
Following the Governor’s recent directive, AKADEP, previously overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture, will now operate as an autonomous agency under the direct supervision of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government. This restructuring aims to enhance coordination, improve efficiency, and accelerate the administration’s agricultural revolution initiatives.
Prince Uwah, addressing the agency’s staff, reaffirmed the government’s resolve to meet the Governor’s timelines for agricultural development. He pledged full support from his office to revitalize AKADEP and ensure the seamless execution of Governor Eno’s vision.
He emphasized that the Tree Crop Revolution is designed to boost tree crop production in the state, creating sustainable wealth and ensuring food security for future generations.
“His Excellency has issued a clear directive on the Tree Crop Revolution and expects measurable results within a defined timeframe. We are fully dedicated to this goal. With AKADEP now reporting directly to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, faster coordination and timely delivery are guaranteed,” stated the SSG.
Speaking on behalf of the Committee on Agriculture and Food Security, Professor Trenchard Ibia commended Governor Umo Eno for his proactive leadership and swift action in rehabilitating AKADEP’s headquarters.
“We applaud the Governor’s prompt intervention and the rapid commencement of works at the AKADEP head office. We are confident these efforts will drive real progress in agricultural development across Akwa Ibom,” Prof. Ibia said.
The Programme Manager of AKADEP, Mr. Emma Ekanem, updated the SSG on the agency’s current status and restructuring plans. He reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to fulfill the Governor’s agricultural development goals.
“We are aligning all activities with the Governor’s agricultural vision. The renewed energy within AKADEP is already noticeable,” Mr. Ekanem assured.
Also present at the meeting were Mrs. Imaobong Okon, Permanent Secretary, Office of the SSG; Barr. Morgan Ekanem, Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties; members of the State Committee on Agriculture and Food Security; and departmental heads from AKADEP.
After the meeting, Prince Uwah led the committee and AKADEP officials on an inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation works at the agency’s headquarters in Uyo. He expressed satisfaction with the progress and reiterated the government’s determination to deliver visible and sustainable outcomes.
The Tree Crop Revolution, a flagship program under the ARISE Agenda, aims to enhance high-yield tree crop cultivation through improved varieties, promote wealth creation, and support Akwa Ibom State’s food security and economic diversification objectives.
