29/05/2026
‼️NEWS UPDATE ‼️
ARISE Agenda: Governor Eno Unveils Multi Billion Naira Oil Palm Revolution
Targets Tree Crop Revival in A'Ibom
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has officially launched the "Tree Crop Revolution Initiative", a flagship agricultural program under the ARISE Agenda designed to transform the state’s tree crop sector and drive inclusive economic growth.
Speaking at the launch event held on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP) office Uyo, Governor Eno stated that the initiative will focus on the mass cultivation and rehabilitation of oil palm which had been a major source of economic stability years back.
The Governor explained that the program will provide farmers across all 31 Local Government Areas with improved seedlings, inputs, training, and technical support to enhance productivity and ensure sustainability.
“This initiative is about taking agriculture beyond subsistence to a level where our people can create wealth, create jobs, and secure the future of our state,” Governor Eno said.
“The Tree Crop Revolution is a deliberate strategy to build our economy, reduce dependence on hand-outs and empower our people", he added.
Governor Eno said key components of the initiative include the distribution of 660,000 improved seedlings to farmers in the first phase across all LGAs. He promised that the distribution will come in phases.
The Governor noted that the program aligns with his administration’s commitment to food security, job creation, and poverty reduction, as outlined in the ARISE Agenda.
He called on government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, and the private sector to participate, apply, collect and plant the free oil palm seedlings for maximum impact.
Earlier, Commissioner of Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor promised that her Ministry will oversee implementation, in collaboration with relevant agencies and development partners for the success of the initiative.
In their goodwill messages, Paramount Ruler of Uyo Local Government Area is His Royal Majesty, Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon, Chairman of Food Sufficiently Committee, Prof. Okon Ansa and
All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Chairman, Philomena Ntuen commended Governor Eno for his unwavering commitment to translating the ARISE Agenda as it concerns Agricultural Development.
In his speech, Executive Director of the Nigerian Institute For Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), Mr. Gold Isona promised that the seedlings will yield in just three years and assured of more effective collaboration with Akwa Ibom State as the Tree Crop Revolution takes effect.
NIFOR is a Nigerian Government Research Center dedicated to the genetic improvement, production, and processing of oil palm, coconut, date palm, raphia palm, and shea trees and have been engaged by the Governor Eno admimistration as strategic partners to the State Government in the Tree Crop Revolution Exercise.
The event which had a large turn-out had Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, State Executive Council members and other key government officials in attendance.
(C) MOI
