In furtherance of the Agricultural Revolution component of his administration’s ARISE Agenda, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has launched the ARISE Home Farmers Scheme (AHFS), an initiative aimed at encouraging every household to have a farm or garden at home.
Governor Eno launched the scheme during the 2024 edition of the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival, held at the amphitheatre of Unity Park, Uyo, on December 13, 2024.
He noted that the scheme is adapted from the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who earlier launched the “Every Home a Garden” initiative to encourage first-time female farmers to cultivate home gardens.
Governor Eno, who had earlier appreciated and adapted the elderly support scheme of the First Lady—through which over 600 elderly citizens in the state are selected monthly and given ₦50,000 each, along with food items and multivitamins—stated that under the AHFS, 50 home farmers will be selected and given ₦500,000 each to boost their farms.
He explained that the scheme aims to encourage home farming in line with the ARISE spirit, emphasizing that everyone should have at least a small garden at home to help reduce the rising cost of staple foods and other essential items.
In the spirit of the season, Governor Eno, known for his compassionate disposition, announced that Akwa Ibom workers would receive a 13th-month salary, while bags of rice will be distributed to each of the 2,272 gazetted villages in the state to ensure a merry Christmas in every home.
The Governor said the theme of the Carols Festival, “Peace and Holiness with All Men,” reflects the essence of the season.
He added that the state, under his leadership, has chosen to work peacefully with all men, including across party lines.
Governor Eno, often regarded as workers-friendly, also confirmed that the state will pay an ₦80,000 minimum wage effective November 2024, but payments will commence after completing an ongoing verification exercise to ascertain the true number of workers in the state.
He noted that although labor had agreed to forego the 13th-month salary in favor of commencing the minimum wage, his administration decided to continue the payment in the spirit of the season.
The Governor urged everyone to spread love, especially to the less privileged, and presented a cheque of ₦5,000,000 to Usen Akpan Matthew for his volunteer service. He also promised better opportunities for those who embrace the ARISE spirit and contribute their services in areas of need.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, said the 2024 Christmas Carol marks the 17th edition of the event. He recalled that in 2010, a concert featuring 25,272 carol singers earned a place in the Guinness World Records.
Udoh added that the festival has consistently improved over the years.
He commended the Governor for advancing what is widely regarded as the largest single gathering of Christian worshippers worldwide. He emphasized that the event remains the most anticipated and well-attended carol festival in Nigeria and beyond.
In his remarks, the State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Christian Nyong, praised the Governor for continuing the annual Christmas Carols Festival and described the 2024 edition as a golden outing.
He commended the Governor for his steadfast support of the Christian community, noting that he is not merely a pastor by title but by calling. Bishop Nyong urged everyone to pray for the Governor, describing him as the best thing that has happened to the state.
In his message on the festival’s theme, Pastor Dennis Inyang, the Apostolic Overseer of Sure Word Assembly, stated that the birth of Jesus is a testament to God’s ability to do the impossible. He emphasized that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and that anyone who desires true peace must accept Him.
Pastor Inyang applauded the Governor for his unifying spirit, adding that God specifically sent him to enthrone peace in the state. He urged everyone to live peaceably with one another.
The colorfully organized and exhilarating event featured prominent gospel artistes, choir ministrations, Bible readings by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, and other activities.
