By Julius Bren
As part of efforts to boost the agricultural sector of Akwa Ibom State, wife of the State Governor, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, inaugurated and handed over a brand new and fully equipped cassava and palm oil processing mill to a family in Ini Local Government Area.
The inauguration ceremony of the project which was facilitated by Golden Initiative For All, GIFA, pet project of the Governor’s wife, was held at Mbiabong Ikot Udo in Ini Local Government Area.
In her remarks at the commissioning, the First Lady said that the mill was not a mere investment but one that is dedicated to ensuring food security and creation of value for the community.
She charged the beneficiary, Mr. Benjamin Umoren and the villagers to maintain and sustain the project, which she described as a treasure to the community, to serve the purpose for which it was built.
‘The mill is not just an investment but it represents a dedication to improving food security and creating value for this community. I am aware that this is the only available mill in this vicinity and therefore would serve the people of this community in a great way. As we reopen this facility today, our aim is to increase the income of farmers in this community, create jobs and produce products that would serve the local market,’ she said.
Welcoming guests to the event, the Transition chairman of Ini LGA, Mr Inibehe Umah, thanked the first lady for her zeal in entrepreneurial development, especially for touching people at the grassroots, noting that the gesture will aid in processing agricultural products, thereby alleviating poverty, while also ensuring economic sustainability.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Mrs Anne Abraham in her tone setting for the event described the commissioning of the processing mill as a significant milestone which symbolizes the empowerment of every farmer in the area, in line with the rural development component of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
In their goodwill messages, stakeholders in Ini Local Government Area including the Member representing Ini State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr. Lawrence Udoide, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Sufficiency, Dr. Offiong Offor, former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Glory Edet as well as the Village Head of Mbiabong Ikot Udo, Eteidung Michael Udom, all appreciated the Governor’s Wife for providing the mill processing facility which they said will not only boost the financial capacity of Mr. Benjamin Umoren but will also promote economic activities in the agrarian community.
Financial contributions were made in support of the project by the stakeholders during the ceremony which featured a welcome song by the women of Ini and a cultural display by a traditional troupe in the area.
The beneficiary, Mr. Benjamin Asuquo Umoren flanked by wife and children, appreciated the Akwa Ibom State First Lady for revamping his business and reestablishing him with adequate tools needed for effective productivity, prayed God to replenish her with more wisdom.
