…Equipment Leasing Initiative Will Create Jobs, Boost Food Production and Empower Youths
— Barr. Kufre Udosen
Honourable Special Adviser to the Governor on Political and Social Re-orientation Barr. Kufre Udosen, Honourable Special Adviser to the Governor on Political and Social Re-orientation, has described the establishment of the Agricultural Equipment Leasing Company by Governor Umo Eno as one of the most strategic and visionary economic initiatives ever introduced in Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking during a media interaction over the weekend, Udosen stated that the initiative represents far more than the acquisition of tractors and agricultural equipment, noting that it is a deliberate investment aimed at unlocking the vast agricultural potential of the state, creating employment opportunities, guaranteeing food sufficiency and laying a sustainable foundation for economic prosperity.
According to him, Governor Umo Eno has demonstrated uncommon foresight by recognizing that the future of every prosperous society depends not merely on consumption but on production, enterprise and productivity.
“The Governor understands that while oil remains important, agriculture remains one of the most reliable pathways to sustainable wealth creation, food security, employment generation and economic diversification.
“The Agricultural Equipment Leasing Company is not simply a tractor programme. It is an economic empowerment initiative. It is a productivity initiative. It is a future-oriented investment designed to unlock opportunities for thousands of Akwa Ibom people.”
Udosen observed that one of the greatest challenges confronting farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs has always been the high cost of mechanization, which often prevents individuals, cooperatives and young entrepreneurs from cultivating land on a commercial scale.
According to him, by establishing an equipment leasing framework, the Governor has effectively removed one of the biggest barriers to entry into modern agriculture.
“For years, many people have encouraged our youths to embrace agriculture. However, not everyone can afford tractors, harvesters, planters and other modern farming equipment.
“What Governor Umo Eno has done is to democratize access to mechanization. He has created a system that allows citizens to access modern agricultural equipment without bearing the enormous burden of ownership. This is how serious economies stimulate production and support enterprise.”
He noted that Akwa Ibom is richly blessed with vast arable land capable of supporting diverse agricultural value chains, including crop cultivation, livestock production, poultry farming, aquaculture, piggery, snail farming, oil palm production, agro-processing, food packaging and export-oriented agriculture.
According to him, the initiative should inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs to see agriculture not as subsistence farming but as a profitable enterprise capable of generating substantial income and creating jobs.
“There is a misconception among some young people that success can only be achieved through white-collar employment. Across the world today, agriculture has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry driven by innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.
“A graduate who ventures into poultry farming, fish farming, cassava production, vegetable cultivation, livestock management, agro-processing or food packaging can earn significantly more than many conventional salary earners.
“Agriculture is no longer about survival. Agriculture is about enterprise. Agriculture is about wealth creation. Agriculture is about building businesses and becoming an employer of labour.”
Udosen further explained that agricultural mechanization has a direct relationship with food availability and affordability.
According to him, when farmers gain access to modern equipment, productivity increases, cultivation expands, harvest losses reduce and food supply improves, thereby contributing significantly to food security and price stability.
“Food security is national security. Any government that prioritizes food production is investing in the wellbeing, stability and prosperity of its people.
“Governor Umo Eno understands that a state that cannot feed itself cannot truly achieve economic independence. This is why agriculture occupies a central place in the ARISE Agenda.”
The Special Adviser further noted that Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to agriculture is reflected not only in policy declarations but also in practical incentives and programmes designed to encourage widespread participation.
He stated that the administration’s decision to encourage citizens and civil servants to devote greater attention to agricultural activities was informed by the need to promote food sufficiency, household productivity and economic self-reliance.
“The Governor appreciates the fact that food security cannot be achieved through government pronouncements alone. It requires active participation by the people.
“His vision is to encourage families, communities, youths, civil servants and entrepreneurs to see agriculture as a sustainable source of livelihood and wealth creation.
“A state that can feed itself is stronger economically, more stable socially and better positioned for future prosperity.”
Udosen also highlighted the numerous incentive-driven programmes introduced by the administration to encourage productivity, innovation and entrepreneurship.
According to him, several empowerment initiatives have provided grants, business support and financial assistance running into hundreds of thousands and, in many cases, millions of naira to deserving citizens.
“Through various intervention programmes, farmers, entrepreneurs, cooperatives, small business owners and young innovators have benefited from grants and support packages, including awards of ₦500,000 and above.
“These are not acts of charity. They are strategic investments designed to encourage enterprise, reward productivity and promote self-reliance among our people.”
He emphasized that every successful farming enterprise creates opportunities far beyond the farm itself.
According to him, agriculture stimulates transportation, processing, storage, logistics, manufacturing, marketing, packaging and export activities, thereby generating thousands of direct and indirect jobs throughout the value chain.
“A single farming enterprise creates opportunities for labourers, transporters, processors, mechanics, marketers, retailers and countless others. The impact extends throughout the economy.”
Udosen further observed that the Agricultural Equipment Leasing Company is only one component of a broader development strategy being pursued by the administration of Pastor Umo Eno.
According to him, since assuming office, the Governor has demonstrated a deliberate commitment to touching virtually every sector of the state’s economy through policies and programmes designed to improve the welfare of the people, strengthen human capital development and create opportunities for sustainable growth.
“One of the most remarkable aspects of this administration is that development is not being approached from a single direction. The Governor has embraced a holistic development model that recognizes that economic growth, human capital development and social welfare must advance together.”
He noted that beyond agriculture, the administration has continued to record significant interventions in healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, tourism, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, rural development and social welfare.
“We have witnessed life-changing interventions through the ARISE Care Health Insurance Programme, which is expanding access to quality healthcare and reducing the financial burden on vulnerable citizens.
“We have seen the impact of Ibom-LED in supporting entrepreneurship, strengthening small and medium-scale businesses and stimulating economic activities across the state.
“We have equally witnessed the remarkable contribution of the DAKADA Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Programme in equipping young people with practical skills, entrepreneurial knowledge and opportunities for self-reliance.
“These programmes clearly demonstrate that Governor Umo Eno is not merely addressing present challenges but is investing in the future prosperity of our people.”
According to him, development should not be measured solely by physical infrastructure but also by improvements in the quality of life of citizens.
“Development is reflected in healthier families, empowered youths, thriving businesses, food security, improved livelihoods and expanded opportunities.
“When future generations assess this administration, they will find evidence of leadership that invested in people, strengthened institutions and created pathways for inclusive prosperity.”
Udosen commended Governor Umo Eno for what he described as visionary, compassionate and people-oriented leadership.
According to him, history will remember leaders not merely for the projects they execute but for the opportunities they create for citizens to prosper.
“Governor Umo Eno is demonstrating leadership that looks beyond immediate applause. He is laying foundations that will continue to generate value for generations yet unborn.
“The true test of leadership is not how many people depend on government, but how many people government empowers to become independent, productive and prosperous.”
He therefore called on youths, graduates, farmers, cooperatives, community leaders and investors across the state to take advantage of the opportunities being created through the Agricultural Equipment Leasing Company and other programmes of the administration.
He urged citizens to embrace agriculture as a noble and profitable enterprise capable of transforming individual lives and strengthening the state’s economy.
The Special Adviser further called on the people of Akwa Ibom State to appreciate, support and continually pray for Governor Umo Eno, noting that leadership requires wisdom, courage, sacrifice and a sincere commitment to public service.
“Leaders who genuinely think about the future deserve encouragement and prayers. Governor Umo Eno has shown through his actions that he is committed to building an economically stronger, food-secure, self-reliant and prosperous Akwa Ibom State.
“As citizens, our responsibility is not only to support visionary initiatives but also to pray for God’s wisdom, guidance, strength and protection upon the Governor as he continues to serve the people with dedication, humility and sincerity.”
Concluding, Udosen expressed confidence that with sustained investment in mechanized agriculture, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, healthcare, education and human capital development, Akwa Ibom State possesses all the ingredients necessary to become one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural and economic success stories.
“The land is available. The opportunities are available. The government has provided the enabling platform. The next step is for our people, especially our youths, to seize the moment and transform opportunity into prosperity.
“If we embrace agriculture, enterprise and productivity with the same enthusiasm with which we seek employment, Akwa Ibom will not only feed itself but will become a major contributor to Nigeria’s food security, economic growth and national development.”
He stressed that history ultimately rewards leaders who invest in the future and citizens who seize the opportunities created for them, expressing optimism that the agricultural revolution being championed by Governor Umo Eno will stand as one of the defining legacies of the administration.