30/05/2026
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AKSG FLAGS-OFF 2026 COCOA PLANTING SEASON
ā¦Dr. Offor Reaffirms Governmentās Commitment to Expanding Tree Crop Cultivation
The Akwa Ibom State Government has officially flagged-off the 2026 Cocoa Planting Season, reaffirming her commitment to boosting cocoa production and expanding tree crop cultivation across the State.
Speaking during the distribution of cocoa seedlings to farmers at the Ministry of Agriculture's Cocoa Nursery in Odoro Ikpe, Ini Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. (Mrs.) Offiong Offor, described the exercise as a strategic step towards actualizing the Stateās tree crop revolution initiative recently launched by Governor Umo Eno in Uyo.
Offor said that over 100,000 cocoa seedlings will be distributed to cocoa-producing communities across the State this year, stressing that the annual intervention demonstrates the Governorās unwavering commitment to agricultural development.
āGovernor Umo Eno undertakes this initiative every year because he recognizes agriculture as a critical investment in the future of our State. We are not merely planting cocoa trees; we are planting hope, creating wealth, and securing a prosperous future for Akwa Ibom. Together, we will continue to strengthen the agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of our people,ā she stated.
The Commissioner further highlighted the Governorās passion for agriculture, citing the disbursement of grants to farmers, provision of improved farm inputs, enhancement of schoolās agricultural programmes, revitalization of extension services, and other interventions aimed at transforming the sector.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ini Local Government Area, Hon. Inibehe Uma, commended the Commissioner for her outstanding performance.
Uma reiterated the Councilās commitment to supporting Governor Enoās agricultural transformation agenda.
Also speaking, former Commissioner for Agriculture and Dean of Commissioners, Associate Prof. Glory Edet, applauded Governor Eno for placing agriculture at the heart of the ARISE Agenda.
Edet, emphasized that agriculture remains the backbone of economic growth and food sufficiency, adding that no nation can thrive without a vibrant agricultural sector.
She further appreciated the Commissioner for organizing the distribution exercise on a day that coincides with the celebration of Governor Enoās third anniversary in office, describing it as a fitting demonstration of the administrationās commitment to rural development and economic empowerment.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria in the State, Mr. Ekikere Bassey, and Chairman of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria, Mr. Etieno James, commended the State Government for its continued support to cocoa farmers.
They pledged to make effective use of the seedlings to increase cocoa production for both local consumption and export.
While acknowledging the various forms of support received from government over the years, they also advocated for policies that would further strengthen cocoa production and enhance the value chain.
Representing the United States Department of AgricultureāLutheran World Relief TRACE Project, Agricultural Extension Officer, Mr. Olua Eze, lauded Governor Enoās consistent support to cocoa farmers.
Eze noted that the level of commitment demonstrated by the Akwa Ibom State Government is commendable and uncommon in many other States.
The Clan Head of Ikpe, His Royal Highness Monday Udo, expressed gratitude to the government for the intervention, while describing cocoa as a highly rewarding cash crop that generates sustainable income, explaining that this has encouraged many members of the community to embrace its cultivation.
The highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of cocoa seedlings and other agricultural inputs to farmers, marking the official commencement of the 2026 Cocoa Planting Season in Akwa Ibom State.