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As a boost to poultry production, the Akwa Ibom State Government in partnership with National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Abuja have empowered poultry farmers with Brooded Broilers Birds, feeds and other inputs.
Flagging-off the distribution recently, at the Ministry of Agriculture open field, Idongesit Nkanaga Secretariat Complex, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture Dr. Offiong Offor stated that the event is part of the state government’s determination to support farmers to achieve increased food production.
Dr. Offor reasoned that food is ranked number 1 in the three basic needs of man, followed by shelter and clothing, hence the importance of food to mankind cannot be overemphasized. While appreciating Governor Udom Emmanuel for the approval given to commence the distribution, she applauded his outstanding achievements so far recorded in Agriculture and other sectors of the State’ economy.
The Commissioner lauded the collaboration of Governor Emmanuel and NEMA in alleviating the sufferings of Nigerians, saying we cannot separate natural disasters from our daily life, but the effect on the 
farmers is significantly lessened by this initiative.
“Agriculture is very important and contributes to the growth of the economy. This explains why the Governor places a very high premium on Agriculture through different support programmes, in order to ensure food sufficiency” she stated.
The Don reiterated that the distribution of Brooded Broiler Birds, feeds and other inputs, when properly harnessed will multiply poultry production and provide the required protein for Akwa Ibomites to live a strong and healthy life.
Earlier, in her opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Mary 
Ukoette Bassey, acknowledged that Governor Udom Emmanuel has given Agriculture its rightful place in his completion agenda, as well as taken necessary steps to support all categories of farmers.
Mrs. Bassey advised the benefitting farmers not to sell the inputs but, use it for the purpose of improving Agricultural production in the State, as a monitoring team will visit the farmers to assess the progress of their farms.
On his part a NEMA Official, Mr. Godwin Tepikor, disclosed that the distribution is the outcome of an assessment and verification process carried out by NEMA and Ministry of Agriculture, on the farmers who were affected by the year 2020 flood disaster. Dr. Tepikor who said the Agency has so far distributed crops and Agro-inputs to different categories of farmers in the State, added that this exercise will focus on poultry farmers in the State.
On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Director General, NEMA, Mustapha Ahmed, he commended the State Government, the Ministry of Agriculture for warm reception accorded them and applauded the farmers for conducting themselves in an orderly manner during the distribution.
In their goodwill messages, the Director, Animal Husbandry, Mr. Aniefiok Isong, a farmer, Mr. Aniefiok Ndem and others appreciated the Governor and the Federal Government through NEMA for the support given to farmers who were affected by the year 2020 flood. They promised to work assiduously with the government and the Agency to actualise the vision of food sufficiency in the State.
Highpoint of the event was the distribution of 5 bags of feed, 30 four weeks old Brooded Broiler Birds, antibiotics and other inputs to each of the farmers. In attendance at the event were the State Supervisor of NEMA, Mr. Damian Egwu, State Director Federal Ministry of Agriculture/Rural Development, Dr. Uyobong Uko, Director of Agriculture, Mr. Solomon Joe, Director of Accounts, Mrs. Mary Eyo, Director of Administration, Mr. Ifiok Udo, NEMA Officials, among others.
