Akwa Ibom Assembly Urges More Private Investments in Agriculture

News in brief:

-Akwa Ibom lawmakers have called for stronger private sector investment in agriculture to boost food security and employment.

-Aviclaire Farms’ climate-smart greenhouse project has expanded rapidly and created jobs for more than 2,000 youths.

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Nutrition and Food Security recently called for increased private sector participation in agriculture to boost food production and improve nutrition outcomes.

The committee’s chairman, Moses Essien, appealed during an oversight visit to Aviclaire Farms located in Usung Idem, Uruk Usoh in Abak Local Government Area.

Lawmakers Commend Climate-Smart Agriculture Efforts

Essien, who represents Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, commended the farm’s management for collaborating with the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme to promote private investment in agriculture.

He praised the partners for adopting climate-smart agriculture practices, describing the initiative as a strategic step toward strengthening food security in the state.

According to him, the use of transformative agricultural approaches complements the efforts of the state government to improve food availability and economic opportunities.

Essien noted that practical climate-smart agriculture models can stimulate employment, enhance nutrition outcomes and support long-term food sufficiency.

Investment Creating Jobs for Youths

The lawmaker also highlighted the economic impact of the project, noting that the investment had created employment opportunities for more than 2,000 young people.

He described the initiative as an example of environmentally responsible investment and encouraged residents of Akwa Ibom State to embrace technology-driven and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

Farm Expansion and Greenhouse Technology

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme, Dr Andy Eyo, conducted members of the committee around the facility.

He explained that the collaboration was designed to demonstrate how climate-smart farming can improve food sufficiency and agricultural productivity.

According to him, the farm began operations with four greenhouses but has expanded to 14 within two years, now supplying high-quality produce to major markets in Uyo and neighbouring communities.

He added that the organisation is exploring cooperative frameworks that would enable rural farmers and women’s groups to adopt greenhouse technology as a pathway to sustainable livelihoods.

Farm Serves as Training Hub

In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Aviclaire Farms, Mrs Victoria Eyo, explained that the controlled farming environment allows for precision cultivation and consistent yields.

She also noted that the farm functions as a capacity-building centre where students, interns and agribusiness trainees gain practical experience in modern agricultural practices.