Gov Eno Recommends Return to Farming as Part of Solutions To High Cost of Food
... As CCN Honours Him with Pillar of Ecumenism Award
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has stated that the current economic hardship experienced across the country is exacerbated by the longtime neglect of agriculture, especially by individual citizens, and urged everyone to return to farming for food sufficiency.
The governor stated that the state was making plans to cushion the effect on citizens through the planned establishment of a bulk purchase agency as a short-term measure while affirming that a concerted and deliberate commitment to farming by everyone will enhance food sufficiency and prevent a recurrence of the economic crisis.
He stated these while addressing the leadership of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), which paid him a courtesy visit in his office at the Government House, Uyo.
He noted that the solution to the current economic hardship is beyond trading blame but requires a readjustment of lifestyles, especially to accommodate farming, irrespective of the available size of land for an individual.
Governor Eno acknowledged that the hardship is not an automatic occurrence but a result of long-term neglect of things that should have been done and the doing of things that shouldn’t have been done, stressing that it is time that everyone returns to farming.
He appealed to everyone to exercise more patience with the government and continue praying for leaders in different positions of authority as commanded in the holy book.
Related: A’Ibom Govt Set To Establish Bulk Purchase Agency To Curtail Hike In Food Prices
Governor Eno, a pastor, welcomed and appreciated the leadership of the CCN for choosing Akwa Ibom for their National Executive Council meeting and for honouring him as a pillar of ecumenism.
He noted that the award, especially being the first time it will be bestowed on anyone in the country, will motivate him to do more for the Christian community, and he urged them to continue to pray for the state and the country in general.
Earlier in his speech, the President, Most Rev. Dr. David Onuoha, said the team was in the state for a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and deemed it necessary to visit the state governor as a mark of respect, especially because he was one of their own.
He noted that it was the first such meeting for the year 2024 while revealing that the choice of Akwa Ibom was due to its peaceful, clean, serene environment as well as the availability of quality infrastructure, especially a good road network.
Most Rev. Onuoha, who is of the Anglican Church, congratulated Governor Umo Eno on his victories at the different levels of the court and lauded the governor’s developmental efforts since his assumption of office eight months ago.
He said the Council was motivated to present excellence awards to performing governors, beginning with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, who was awarded the Pillar of Ecumenism for his exemplary leadership.
He recalled with gratitude the expression of empathy and support the government gave the families of Salvation Army members who lost their loved ones to a car crash in 2023.
He harped on the need for followers to show understanding with leaders and to continually pray for men in authority.
At the visit were the Vice Chairman, Most Rev. (Dr.) Sunday Matilukoro, Very Rev. (Dr.) Evans Oyemara, General Secretary, Elder Akaninyene Obot-Treasurer, Barr. Gbenga Adesina, Legal Adviser, and Rev. (Dr.) Samuel Ebukiba, among others.
