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Akwa Ibom State Government has expressed its readiness to partner with government and corporate entities from The Netherlands to boosts its agricultural revolution vision.
This view was expressed by Lady Helen Eno-Obareki, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady at the opening ceremony of the 11th Nigeria Agrofood Expo holding at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos.
Lady Eno-Obareki, who was accompanied by Dr. Offiong Offor, Commissioner of Agriculture, Mr. Ofonmbuk Nelson, Director, Agribusiness, Governor’s office and Engr. Ifiok Udo Ekott, GM, Ibom Equipment Leasing Company Limited, noted that the state was not at the event just to tour pavilions but to explore a partnership that fuses Dutch precision with Akwa Ibom’s passion.
Describing The Netherlands as a nation that has mastered the art of turning agricultural vision into global leadership, she stated “We recognize the Netherlands not just as a trading partner, but as a pioneer. Your expertise in advanced greenhouse technology and high-yield dairy systems has set a global gold standard for productivity and sustainability. In Akwa Ibom, as we embark on our own “Agricultural Revolution,” we view your model of “doing more with less” as the ultimate inspiration for our ARISE Agenda.
Asserting that clean water and empowered people are key components of the Agric ecosystem, he stated that the state government has partnered with the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), where she serves as Chairman, Board of Trustees to take solar-powered water projects to 369 wards across the state after the organisation had successfully installed the facility in 13 local government areas, ensuring that basic infrastructure for both life and irrigation is available at the grassroots.
She revealed that the state is equally intentional about the people behind the plough by moving from theory to execution “Our recent statewide Women’s Sensitization Tour was a movement to ensure that the women of Akwa Ibom who are the primary drivers of our rural economy, are not left behind as we transition to mechanization and Agri-tech.
She noted further that “Our state-owned Ibom Model Farm in Nsit Ubium is currently being developed as a 50-hectare integrated agro-economic hub. We see immense potential for the integration of Dutch greenhouse solutions there to ensure year-round food security”.
Lady Obareki also said that the state has established the Agricultural Equipment Leasing Company to provide farmers with the mechanization necessary to scale their businesses.
“Coupled with our Tree Crop Revolution and our focus on the “Blue Economy” in Oron, we are creating a diverse investment landscape. Akwa Ibom is ready to be the home of Dutch agro-innovation in Nigeria. We offer the stability and infrastructure required for high-level investment”.
She said that beyond its resources, “Akwa Ibom’s greatest asset is its enduring peace. Nationally recognized as a “Safe Haven,” offering the stability and security essential for international capital.
“By fostering a culture of hospitality and the rule of law, we provide a predictable environment where Dutch investors can commit with absolute confidence”.
In addition, “This peaceful atmosphere is complemented by world-class logistics, as we build a state that welcomes you. With our state-of-the-art road network, the seamless travel provided by Ibom Air and the world-class hospitality of the ARISE Palm Resort – our eco-friendly “Mini-Disneyland” built on reclaimed land, billed for commissioning later this year, we have created an environment where business and leisure meet seamlessly. We invite you to experience not just our economy, but our culture.
She called on the Dutch business community and those in the European Union to look beyond the pavilion and head towards the lush, peaceful and fertile lands of Akwa Ibom. Whether it is in developing dairy value chain or establishing greenhouse clusters.
In his keynote address, Managing Director, Financial Derivatives, Mr. Bismarck Rewane noted that despite what people think, there was great potential for Nigeria’s Agric industry especially in export.
He said that for Nigeria to stem the tide of the current economic shock, it must build BULOG-style national reserves like was done by Indonesia, invest heavily in irrigation, practice market liberalization over protectionism and ensure long-term policy continuity.
At the event organized by Fairtrade Messe, there were goodwill messages from the Lagos State Governor represented by Ms. Abisola Olusanya, Commissioner for Agriculture, The Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, Bengt van Loosdrecht, Belgium Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, Consul-General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Daniel Krull, President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Chief Francis Meshionye, Mr. Alex Isong, President, Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Affrica (OTACCWA) and Dr. Adeolu Akande, Executive Adviser to Oyo State Governor.
