By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
A 2023 governorship hopeful in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Ide Owodiong-Idemeko has given hope of making the state a food basket in South-South region and eliminate hunger and poverty among the populace.
Owodiong-Idemeko, who is one of the governorship aspirants in the state on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said that he intends to achieve his promise by transforming the agricultural sector which Akwa Ibom, he said, has comparative advantage.
He made the pledge on Saturday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, while unfolding his plans for the people if elected next governor in 2023. The governorship aspirant promised to lift Akwa Ibom State among the 10 most sustainable and productive states in Nigeria by 2027 with ample contributions from a transformed agricultural sector.
He said his mission is to develop the agricultural potentials of Akwa Ibom State towards the industrial transformation of the economy of the state.
He also vowed to Increase food production activities in the state, strengthen the economic status of agro-entrepreneurs and uplift their lifestyle.
According to him, “I will develop agro-industrialization potentials of the State, reduce abject poverty, increase wealth creation activities of Akwa Ibom State as an agriculture powerhouse”
He maintained that the state is a powerhouse for various crops such as palm oil, cassava, yam, cocoyam, plantain, banana, maize, rice, rubber, cocoa, vegetables among others and sea food (including catfish, barracuda, sardines, bonga, croaker, shrimps, crayfish, snappers, squids and oysters) and domestic animals such as cow, goat and sheep) including poultry, bees, etc.
He further highlighted “The factors that favour agriculture in Akwa Ibom State include favorable all-year round climate; fertile soil; and talented, skilled, and able-bodied manpower base. With majority of the people engaged in farming, at the subsistence level, as a means of livelihood or additional income, there is very little agro-industrial activities in the state.
Ide opined that the state will move from Agriculture to Agric. Business stressing that Agriculture has to do with the growing of crops and livestock for subsistence, commercial and industrial consumption.
“The revolutionary development of Agriculture is what is referred to as Agribusiness; Agribusiness brings about the transformation of agricultural activity through value-addition, leading to the growth of other business opportunities in the Agriculture Value Chain.
“The Agriculture Value Chain is a presentation of the network of activities, the products and services, the support systems and linkages that take place from the point of production to the point of consumption from the Farm to the Table.
Highlighting the benefits of the proposed Agro- Industry in Akwa ibom state, Ide cited food security, job creation/income opportunities; others include talent & skills acquisition and economic growth.
“Agro-industry is defined as post-harvest activities that involve the transformation, preservation and preparation of agricultural production for consumption. It includes artisanal, minimally processed and packaged raw materials, the processing of intermediate goods and thefabrication of final products derived from agriculture” he emphasized.
He urged all Akwa ibom people to read his blueprint for the state to understand his level of preparation to change the narratives and usher in a new dawn with his election as the next governor of Akwa ibom State.
