18/07/2026
‼️NEWS UPDATE ‼️
*Oil Palm Revolution Gains Momentum as Akwa Ibom Distributes 10,000 Improved Seedlings in Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim*
For many farmers in Ikot Ekpene and Essien Udim Local Government Areas, the dream of owning productive oil palm plantations is gradually becoming a reality as the Akwa Ibom State Government distributed 5,000 improved oil palm seedlings to each of the two local government areas in the first phase to boost agricultural production and improve livelihoods.
The distribution exercise, carried out on Friday, July 17, 2026, forms part of the State's Oil Palm Tree Crops Revolution under Governor Umo Eno's ARISE Agenda. A total of 20,000 improved seedlings were allocated to each of the two local government areas to encourage large-scale oil palm cultivation and strengthen the state's agricultural economy.
The exercise began at the headquarters of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, where the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Agriculture and Food Security Committee, Prof. Okon Ansa, supervised the distribution of 5,000 seedlings to farmers. He also led the ceremonial planting of oil palm seedlings within the Council Secretariat.
Speaking during the event, Prof. Ansa said the programme reflects Governor Umo Eno's commitment to improving food security, creating jobs, and building lasting wealth through agriculture. He encouraged residents to embrace the Tree Crops Revolution, noting that increased oil palm production would create employment opportunities, attract agro-industrial investments, and increase income for farming families.
The Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, thanked Governor Umo Eno for fulfilling his promise to transform the agricultural sector. He assured the Committee of the council's support in ensuring the success of the programme.
Also speaking, the Political Leader of Ikot Ekpene, Senator Ibok Essien, praised the Governor for laying the foundation for generational wealth in the State, describing the initiative as one of the best interventions for the people of Akwa Ibom. He advised the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity in order to become generational millionaires.
The Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene, Okuku Okon Udo Ukut, representatives of farmers' groups, and other stakeholders also commended the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that will improve the welfare of farmers and their families while strengthening the local economy.
The Committee later visited Afaha Ikot Ebak, the headquarters of Essien Udim Local Government Area, where the Council Chairman, Hon. Ntiedo Usoro, received members of the delegation alongside Council officials and farmers.
Hon. Usoro praised Governor Umo Eno for sustaining investments in agriculture, describing the Oil Palm Revolution as a practical step towards creating jobs, growing the rural economy, and improving the standard of living of the people. He pledged the Council's full support for the successful implementation of the programme in the local government area.
A major highlight of the visit was the symbolic presentation of improved oil palm seedlings to farmers and the ceremonial planting of seedlings by the council chairmen, representatives of the paramount rulers, and government officials.
As part of efforts by Governor Umo Eno to increase food sufficiency in the state, the Akwa Ibom State Tree Crops Revolution was officially launched on May 28, 2026, at the premises of the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP) in Uyo.
The programme is part of the ongoing distribution of 620,000 improved oil palm seedlings to farmers across the 31 local government areas of the State under the Agricultural Revolution component of the ARISE Agenda.
Other members of the Akwa Ibom State Agriculture and Food Security Committee who participated in the exercise included the Vice Chairman, Professor Trenchard Okon; Prof. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Ebukiba; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agribusiness, Pastor Godwin Ukwat; Mr. Ofonmbuk Nelson, Secretary of the Committee; Dr. Edemudo Udongo; and the Project Manager of the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP), Mr. Ema Ekanem, who is to provide technical support throughout the exercise.