Uyo, Nigeria – October 16, 2025
In preparation for the official launch of the Tree Crop Revolution slated for November 2025, Governor Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has announced a major administrative shift, directing that the Akwa Ibom State Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP) become a stand-alone agency. Formerly under the Ministry of Agriculture, AKADEP will now operate under the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
The directive was issued during an unscheduled inspection by the Governor at the agency’s headquarters in Uyo, where he also ordered an immediate overhaul and remodeling of the facility to meet the needs of the upcoming agricultural initiative.
The Tree Crop Revolution, a flagship programme of the Eno administration, aims to revitalize palm oil production in the state by introducing high-yield tree crop varieties. It is designed not only to boost agricultural output but also to create generational wealth, especially for rural communities.
The programme will be coordinated by the Akwa Ibom State Agriculture and Food Security Committee, chaired by Professor Okon Ansa, a former Commissioner for Agriculture. The committee also includes Professor Trenchard Ibia, another former Commissioner, alongside other key stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
The Governor disclosed that the newly remodeled AKADEP premises will serve as the operational base for the committee, which will oversee implementation across all ten Federal Constituencies in the state. The facility is expected to include nurseries for palm seedlings, which will be distributed to farmers.
Each farm participating in the programme will receive technical support, with at least two extension workers from AKADEP assigned per farm to provide continuous guidance and monitor progress. In a bid to ensure sustainability, the government has also announced plans for a structured off-take system, where harvested produce will be bought directly by the committee to guarantee market access for farmers.
Governor Eno has reiterated his administration’s commitment to agriculture-led development, positioning Akwa Ibom as a leading palm oil producing state once again.
Government House Correspondent, Jane Uwa, reports.