Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has launched a tree crop revolution initiative in the State with an initial procurement of 620, 000 oil palm seedlings for distribution to farmers.
In his remark at the event held at the premises of the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP), recently revamped by the Governor, Thursday, May 28, 2026, he said the initiative was in line with the Agricultural Revolution component of the ARISE Agenda and in furtherance of his administration’s agriculture and food security drive.
He noted that oil palm had long been central to the region’s identity and way of life, adding that his administration was restoring the State’s longstanding cultural and economic heritage.
“Oil palm in this region, particularly in Akwa Ibom State, was more than a crop. It was a symbol of wealth, heritage, enterprise, and community life. Today, we are returning to our generational lifestyle because oil palm has always been a major resource and source of our fore-fathers’ wealth.
He said the State was going to take its rightful place by massively growing oil palm trees across the length and breath of the State, adding that the initiative was a means of creating wealth in the State.
The Governor disclosed that all farmers selected for the oil palm tree planting revolution in the State have been profiled, 500 households per Local Government Area, for proper guidance, monitoring, and evaluation of the exercise to optimally achieve its set objectives and goal.
“Three years from now, you will begin to harvest to become a millionaire, and it will last forever from generation to generation. We are by this programme placing a major wealth in your hands to grow and prosper significantly,” the Governor said.
He enjoined the citizenry to fully embrace the exercise to emancipate themselves economically, adding that, “Anybody that is willing to work, will certainly get something to do to live well in life with his or her family.”
He commended the remarkable collaboration between the State Government and the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, NIFOR, to ensure speedy and reliable supplies of the high quality seedlings.
The Governor who had previously served as the Executive Director of Agric Investments in the state investment corporation, said 620,000 seedlings of the oil palm has been procured, and implored the management of NIFOR to endeavour to deliver on the expected supply schedule.
Speaking on AKADEP, he said the facility had been abandoned for many years and was in a sorry state on his first visit, and appreciated the Direct Labour committee for interpreting the dream of revamping the facility.
He reaffirmed that instead of abandoning projects left uncompleted by past administration’s, his government will continue to resuscitate economically viable ones for the benefit of the citizenry.
In her remark, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Offiong Offor, praised the Governor for his commited investments in agriculture with specific mention of the equipment leasing company, grants, input to farmers, and the Ibom model farm.
Earlier, in his remark, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government and State Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, thanked the Governor for his bold initiative towards repositioning and recalibrating the trajectory of oil palm production in the State.
He congratulated the Governor for his pragmatic leadership approach and transformational policies, and assured that local government chairmen will support the tree crops revolution initiative.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIFOR, Dr. Gold Leonard Isona, commended the Governor for his administration’s exceptional foresight and unwavering commitment towards empowering Akwa Ibom citizens through the agricultural revolution vision of the ARISE agenda.
He described the event as not just a ceremony, but a visionary move towards the future of sustainable independence, food security and rural prosperity.
On his part, the Paramount Ruler of Uyo,
Edidem Sylvanus Okon, commended the Governor for his development strides, especially the Agricultural Revolution and investment in tree crops, and also assured of the support of the traditional institution for the programme.
