By Agrobroadcast Team
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has intensified calls for stronger private sector participation in agriculture, describing it as critical to achieving sustainable food security and economic growth in the state.
This position was reiterated by the Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Mr. Moses Essien, during an oversight visit to Aviclaire Farms located in Usung Idem, Uruk Usoh, Abak Local Government Area.
Essien, who represents Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, praised the farm’s management for its collaboration with Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), noting that the partnership reflects the growing role of non-state actors in advancing agricultural development.
According to him, the integration of climate-smart agricultural practices into the farm’s operations demonstrates a forward-looking approach capable of boosting productivity while safeguarding the environment.
He observed that such innovative interventions align with the state government’s food security agenda, adding that practical climate-resilient farming models could drive job creation, improve household nutrition, and enhance overall food sufficiency.
The lawmaker expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded by the partnership, revealing that the initiative has generated employment opportunities for over 2,000 young people.
Describing the investors as environmentally responsible, Essien encouraged residents of Akwa Ibom to adopt technology-driven and eco-friendly agricultural systems to unlock greater economic value across the value chain.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of ECEWS, Dr. Andy Eyo, who led the delegation on a tour of the facility, explained that the collaboration was designed as a demonstration project to prove the commercial and environmental viability of climate-smart farming techniques.
He disclosed that the farm began operations with four greenhouses and has expanded to 14 within two years, currently supplying premium produce to major markets in Uyo and surrounding communities.
Eyo further revealed that the organisation is developing cooperative-based frameworks to enable smallholder farmers and women’s groups in rural areas to access greenhouse technology and build sustainable livelihoods.
In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Aviclaire Farms, Mrs. Victoria Eyo, highlighted the advantages of controlled-environment agriculture, stating that it enables precision farming and guarantees stable, high-quality yields year-round.
She added that beyond production, the facility also functions as a training hub for students, interns, and aspiring agribusiness professionals, contributing to human capital development in the sector.