By Assam Abia.
A cross section of village heads across Eket Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State has commended the NNPC/SEPLAT JV EMOIMEE Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) for its newly launched agricultural empowerment initiative, describing it as one of the most impactful development interventions in recent times.
The programme, which is aimed at strengthening sustainable agriculture, improving food security, and reducing poverty across host communities, has been widely welcomed by community leaders who say it comes at a critical time when many rural households are grappling with rising food costs and limited economic opportunities.
According to the Trust, the initiative is designed to support crop and livestock farmers, as well as fish farmers, through the distribution of improved seedlings, fingerlings, day-old chicks (DOC), organic fertilizers, and quality animal feeds. It also includes financial support, capacity-building training, agribusiness development, financial literacy programmes, and extension services to ensure long-term productivity and sustainability.
The agricultural empowerment scheme targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including cassava, maize, yam, pepper, onion, tomato, and mushroom farmers, alongside livestock farmers engaged in poultry, pig, goat, and snail production, as well as fish farmers specializing in catfish and tilapia.
Village heads across Eket LGA, reacting to the initiative, unanimously described it as a βtransformational empowerment programmeβ that has the potential to create wealth at the grassroots while addressing the persistent challenge of food insecurity in the area. They noted that the intervention is not only timely but also well-structured to ensure that beneficiaries become self-reliant through improved agricultural productivity and value chain development.
They further praised the leadership of the Air Commodore Charles Usoh (Rtd)-led administration of the Eket HCDT, commending what they described as its transparency, accountability, and consistent focus on practical project implementation across host communities.
According to them, the Trust has demonstrated uncommon commitment to ensuring that development projects are not only announced but effectively executed in ways that directly impact the lives of ordinary people in Eket and surrounding communities.
Speaking on behalf of the village heads, Chief Odiong Samuel Effiong, the village head of Ikot Odiong, expressed strong support for the initiative but appealed for an extension of the registration period.
He noted that the current two-week registration window may not be sufficient to capture all eligible farmers, especially those in remote villages who may not receive information on time.
He therefore urged the Trust to extend the registration period to one month in order to ensure inclusiveness and wider participation, stressing that many deserving beneficiaries risk being left out if the deadline is not adjusted.
Chief Effiong also used the opportunity to appeal to the Trust to consider the establishment of a social intervention programme targeted at the elderly within the communities. He explained that while agricultural empowerment is highly beneficial for active farmers, there remains a vulnerable segment of the population, particularly aged men and women, who require structured social support to improve their quality of life.
He emphasized that such a programme would complement the agricultural initiative and further demonstrate the Trustβs commitment to holistic community development.
The village heads collectively expressed optimism that the Eket HCDT agricultural empowerment programme would mark a new chapter in rural development across Eket LGA, fostering economic growth, increasing food production, and strengthening community resilience.
They also pledged their continued support for initiatives that promote peace, development, and shared prosperity within their communities.
The agricultural empowerment programme remains open to qualified applicants who are indigenes of Eket, including youth and women groups organized under cooperatives and farmersβ associations. Applications can be submitted through designated channels provided by the Trust, either in person or via the official email address.
As the programme gains momentum, stakeholders in the region are hopeful that it will serve as a model for sustainable community-driven development across other parts of Akwa Ibom State.