Akwa Ibom government will recruit 10,000 youths in the agriculture to sustain the ongoing revolution in the sector in the state, Gov. Udom Emmanuel has announced.
The governor made the announcement on Friday in Uyo when he met with the leaders of major socio-cultural organisations in the state who paid him solidarity visit.
He said that his administration was committed to laying solid economic foundation for the future of the state through industrialisation.
He said that 10 modernised cassava processing plant would be established across the 10 federal constituencies of the state.
He said: “Akwa Ibom is blessed with arable land that supports cultivation during all seasons.
“I am committed to exploring the agriculture potential of the state to its maximum advantage by ensuring that our abundant hectares of land are put to use.
“The recruitment will give premium to youths of the state who were earlier sent to the state of Israel for training on mechanised farming.
“The move is tilted towards ensuring that indigenes of the state have earned a living rather than begged for it.
Emmanuel, who decried the spate of falsehood perpetuated by some local tabloids, observed that they had misinformed the people on government activities through their junk reportage.
He cited the wrong presentation of payment of compensation, tax issues, upgrading of electrical facilities and the recent tribunal verdict as topical issues where the local tabloids misinformed the people.
The governor urged the people to discountenance such publications, adding that they were counterproductive to the development of the state.
Chief Monday Etukakpan, international President, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, who led the delegation, told Emmanuel that all the socio-cultural organisations in the state had decided to visit him to declare their solidarity as regards the tribunal verdict.
He said that the governor was the right man for the job and came at the right time.
“We urge you not to succumb to blackmail but should sustain the developmental strides which you have put in place for the benefit of every Akwa Ibom person.”
Etukakpan assured the governor of victory, adding that if election was conducted several times, he would emerge winner.
(NAN)
