Senator Aniekan Bassey of the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District has distributed 3,600 bags fertilizers to farmers across the district in continuation of his commitment to agricultural development and food security.
The distribution ceremony, which gathered a diverse group of local farmers, community leaders and agricultural stakeholders, took place on Friday at the Senatorial District Liaison Office on Osongoma Road, Uyo.
According to Senator Bassey, who was represented by his campaign Director General, Dr Godwin Awah, the ceremony was an opportunity to provide necessary resources to farmers to boost crop yields, improve food sustainability within the district.
Senator Bassey, Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, said he was determined to support farmers and ensure they have the resources necessary to thrive, adding that “Agriculture remains central to the economy and food security of our district, and empowering farmers through tools, education, and support is essential.”
Speaking at the event, the resource person, Mr. Ekoja Isaac Ohcayi of the Department of Agric-Economics at the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, provided the farmers with practical insights on the effective use of fertilizers. His guidance covered essential techniques in fertilizer application, crop management, and sustainable agricultural practices aimed at increasing yields and ensuring long-term soil fertility.
Earlier, Hon. Desmond Etim, the Senator’s Director of Protocol, had said the fertilizers’ distribution ceremony follows previous initiatives that focused on agro-business training and grant allocations, part of overarching strategy to equip local farmers with tools for economic independence.
He explained that the Senators initiative aligns with recent federal and state programmes aimed at bolstering agricultural production in Nigeria and is expected to significantly enhance crop yields in Akwa Ibom’s North-East Senatorial District in the upcoming farming seasons.
In appreciation to the Senator, Mr. Aniebiet Antia, who spoke on behalf of the local farmers, expressed gratitude for the fertilizer distribution, lauding Senator Bassey’s support and hoping that the programme will continue to yield dividends in future farming seasons.
