Akwa Ibom State Youth For Agriculture And Food Security Initiative

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Akwa Ibom State Youth For Agriculture And Food Security Initiative This is an Official Page for Akwa Ibom State Youth For Agriculture And Food Security Initiative AKYFAFS Adding values to crops and animal productions.
8.

In order to achieve the aims of this Organization, the following objectives though not limited shall be employed:
1. Working with other farmers Organization to bring Nigeria's Agriculture far beyond the Pr-Independence glory.
2. Assisting the Youth to be self-employed and be socially active, exhibit self-esteem and personal autonomy and to educate youths in farming with modern equipment and techn

iques.
3. Ensuring availability, accessibility, utilization and stability of food in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
4. Provision of subsidized food grains and other Agriculture products by partnering with other Agriculture Organizations in Nigeria and globally.
5. Registration/provision of data base for training of youths in Agriculture, employment and worthwhile ventures.
6. Integrated Child Development and Nutrition Scheme for Vulnerable youths.
7. Engagement in meal scheme for schools.
9. Training and capacity building programmed on food on food and bio-security.
10. Working with Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria, Micro, small and medium enterprise and other Agencies to provide loans and grant for members for Agriculture productions, processing and marketing.
11. Agriculture revival, training, development and growth.
12. Collaborating with Federal and State Ministry of Agriculture, State Ministry of Youths, Women and Empowerment and other Ministries, Parastataals and Agencies.

24/09/2025

His Excellency
The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State
Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Ph.D.
The Deputy Governor
Members of the State Executive Council
The Speaker
Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly
The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State
Our Royal Fathers
Fellow Farmers, Young and Old
Gentlemen of the Press
Ladies and Gentlemen

ADDRESS OF THE STATE OF THE FOOD SECURITY SITUATION IN AKWA IBOM STATE AT 38.

QUOTATION

> “A state that can feed itself can free itself — food security is the first step towards true independence and statehood.”

Today I am deeply honored to present the State of the Food Security Situation Address on behalf of the Akwa Ibom State Youth for Agriculture and Food Security Initiative (AKYFAFS), an organization of young and old people who, since 2015, have stood at the frontline of transforming our state’s food production landscape.

When we began in 2015, our dream was simple but powerful: to make Akwa Ibom State self-reliant in food production, with our slogan: "BREAKING THE ACYCLE OF POVERTY"
Our first major step was the cultivation of 100,000 Pineapple Plantation at Ntak Inyang Itam, Itu LGA, graciously flagged off by the then Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Nathan Ekaette. The following year, in 2016, the first harvest of those pineapples was also flagged off for public sales by Dr. Ekaette, ably represented by the then Director of Agriculture, Mr Emmanuel Akpan, — a milestone that showed our people that youth-led agriculture could feed a state.

With the gains and successes recorded in the pineapple plantation, we moved further to establish a two-million-plantain plantation at Itai Usukinyang, Ibiono Ibom LGA. With the acquisition of virgin forest for that purpose, the plantain plantation proudly flagged off by Dr. Charles Udoinyang, the then Commissioner for Agriculture, in 2017. The harvest of the plantain was celebrated and flagged off for public sales at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Agriculture, presided over by Hon. Commissioner Dr. Charles Udoinyang in 2018. This cemented the fact that AKYFAFS was not just planting crops but building a movement.

We expanded further with seven hectares of cassava cultivation at Oboetim Nsit, Nsit Ibom LGA, with technical and input support from the Ministry of Agriculture, in 3018.
This was followed by ten hectares of cassava cultivation at Oku Iboku, Itu LGA — again with support from the Ministry.

In 2020, we established the Watermelon Demonstration Farm at Ntak Inyang Itam, behind AKBC Transmission Studio, Uyo. The harvest of the demonstration farm was flagged off for public sales by the then Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet, ably represented by the Director of Administration in the Ministry.

This single project shattered the myth that watermelon could not thrive commercially in Akwa Ibom soil.

Still in 2020, AKYFAFS ventured into commercial fish farming at Ntak Inyang, Itu LGA, giving a practical model for diversified agribusiness to our youth. The then Director of Fisheries, Dr. (Mrs.) Atim Okoko, currently the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, was directed to supervise the construction of the natural fish ponds with technical expertise and inputs.

Between 2021 and 2022, we undertook tomato cultivation at Mbiakong, Uruan LGA, with technical support and inputs from the Ministry of Agriculture, proving that with the right technology and dedication, crops often sourced from distant states can flourish here at home.

And today, we are proud to announce that AKYFAFS has acquired 10 hectares of land at Edebom, Nsit Ibom LGA, dedicated to multiple crop cultivation — a living testament to our ongoing commitment to food security.

ALIGNMENT WITH THE ARISE AGENDA

Your Excellency, AKYFAFS’ trajectory perfectly aligns with your ARISE Agenda — especially the pillar on Agricultural Revolution and Food Security. Your administration’s Farmers’ Grants, Traders’ Support Scheme, Equipment Support Programme, and other life-touching initiatives have rekindled hope among our local producers.

We commend you, Governor Umo Eno, Ph.D., for placing the welfare of ordinary Akwa Ibomites at the center of governance. We particularly note your passion for encouraging youth-led farming and for making agriculture attractive and profitable.

THE NEED TO EMPOWER LOCAL FARMERS

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, the cost of food importation from other states drains our economy through capital flight, increases the risks to our traders, and leads to skyrocketing food prices. Every day, thousands of Akwa Ibom traders, especially our women, travel long distances — sometimes for days — to buy food at exorbitant prices in risky conditions.

Yet, with the fertile land and abundant youth population in Akwa Ibom State, we can grow what we eat and eat what we grow. Therefore, supporting and empowering organizations like AKYFAFS will mitigate the economic losses and risks associated with food importation from other states of the federation.

It will go a long way to end food importation from other states.

Create thousands of jobs for our youth.

Cut down government spending on bulk food purchases and food vouchers for vulnerable citizens.

Stabilize food prices through consistent availability, accessibility., and affordability

Improve health and nutrition by ensuring fresher, locally produced food.

A CALL TO ACTION: PARTNERING FOR A FOOD-SECURE AKWA IBOM

Your Excellency, AKYFAFS has demonstrated, for a decade now, that youth-led agriculture is not theory but reality. What we need is scaled support and empowerment to take our work from dozens of hectares to thousands of hectares.

By equipping us with the necessary funding, machines, technology, and infrastructure, the Government of Akwa Ibom State will be saving itself billions otherwise spent on emergency food interventions while also building a self-reliant, resilient food system.

COMMENDATION AND COMMITMENT

As Akwa Ibom turns 38, we reaffirm our commitment to making our state the food basket of Nigeria’s South-South region. We salute every farmer, every youth, every government official who has walked this journey with us.

Your Excellency, you have shown what leadership with vision can do. Together, we can ensure that the ARISE Agenda is not just a slogan but a living reality in the lives of our people. We salute your willpower and courage. BRAVO!!!

On behalf of AKYFAFS, I pledge that we will continue to innovate, cultivate, and mobilize for a food-secure Akwa Ibom State.

CONCLUSION

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
The story of AKYFAFS is the story of hope, resilience, and the power of youth. As we celebrate Akwa Ibom at 38, let us remember that food security is national security. Let us invest in it, protect it, and grow it — right here on our soil.

May Akwa Ibom State continue to rise.
May our fields continue to flourish.
And may our people continue to prosper.

Thank you, and God bless.

Prince Offiong
State Coordinator/Director
Agricultural Projects and Productions
Akwa Ibom State Youth for Agriculture and Food Security Initiative (AKYFAFS)
23rd September, 2025.

I've just reached 1K followers! Thank you for continuing support. I could never have made it without each one of you. 🙏🤗...
13/09/2025

I've just reached 1K followers! Thank you for continuing support. I could never have made it without each one of you. 🙏🤗🎉

09/06/2025

OFFICIAL SECURITY NOTICE
This to bring to your notice that following our issuance of scam alert some days ago, there has been several attempts to hack our official WhatsApp platform account by criminal elements within and without. But they have all failed, and we have lodged official reports to appropriate security agencies who are already investigating the failed attempts to defraud us and hack our accounts.

Therefore, in our continued effort to strengthen the integrity and security of the Akwa Ibom State Youth For Agriculture and Food Security Initiative (AKYFAFS) WhatsApp platform, we are implementing heightened measures to protect our members and ensure the credibility of all communications within our network.

All members are hereby advised to remain vigilant and cautious. Under no circumstances should anyone respond to private messages requesting money, personal details, or assistance of any kind, regardless of the reason or the claimed identity of the sender.

Let it be clearly stated: AKYFAFS will never solicit funds or sensitive information through unofficial or private WhatsApp messages. All official communication will come through the approved group channels or from verified executive contacts.

We issue this as a strong and final warning to all fraudsters and criminal elements attempting to deceive or exploit our members: Your actions are criminal, and you will be exposed, reported to law enforcement agencies, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

The leadership of AKYFAFS remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the safety of our members. We urge everyone to report suspicious activity immediately to the group admins.

Together, we will continue to protect the vision and mission of our organization.

Signed,
AKYFAFS Leadership
“Breaking the Cycle of Poverty”

04/06/2025

PUBLIC WARNING: BEWARE OF FRAUDULENT ONLINE MEETINGS PURPORTEDLY LINKED TO AKYFAFS

The attention of the management of Akwa Ibom State Youth For Agriculture And Food Security Initiative (AKYFAFS) has been drawn to multiple reports of a fraudulent individual using the phone number 07068430484 to impersonate our organization and invite members to a fake online meeting using a fabricated Meeting ID: 722872.

We categorically state that AKYFAFS has not scheduled or authorized any such online meeting. The leadership of this organization does not conduct impromptu or unverified meetings via such channels, and any claim to the contrary is false, misleading, and intended to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

We hereby issue a stern warning: any person who engages with or responds to this scam does so entirely at their own risk. AKYFAFS will not be held responsible for any losses or consequences arising from such fraudulent interactions.

For authentic information regarding our activities, meetings, or programs, kindly contact us through our official communication channels only.

Signed:
Prince Offiong Ben
Director of Agricultural Projects and Productions
Akwa Ibom State Youth For Agriculture And Food Security Initiative (AKYFAFS)

STATE OF THE AGRICULTURAL NATION ADDRESSDelivered on Workers' Day – May 1, 2025By: Prince Offiong BenDirector of Agricul...
02/05/2025

STATE OF THE AGRICULTURAL NATION ADDRESS
Delivered on Workers' Day – May 1, 2025
By: Prince Offiong Ben
Director of Agricultural Projects and Productions, Akwa Ibom State Youth for Agriculture and Food Security Initiative (AKYFAFS)

Theme: “Grow What We Eat, Eat What We Grow – Empowering Agriculture for a Sustainable Future”

Fellow citizens,
Distinguished agricultural stakeholders,
Great farmers of Akwa Ibom and across the globe,

Today, as we mark International Workers’ Day, we pay glowing tribute to the backbone of every economy – the workers. In a special way, we recognize the tireless efforts of farmers, agripreneurs, marketers, farm workers, agricultural students, traders in the agricultural value chain, and every member of the Akwa Ibom State Youth for Agriculture and Food Security Initiative (AKYFAFS) whose labor feeds our homes, nourishes our families, and sustains our economy.

Agriculture remains the greatest employer of labor and the most strategic path to wealth creation, food sufficiency, and national prosperity. It is, therefore, imperative to recognize that food security is not just a goal – it is a necessity.

OUR PHILOSOPHY: GROW WHAT WE EAT, EAT WHAT WE GROW

The philosophy of “Grow What We Eat, Eat What We Grow” is not a mere slogan. It is a bold call to action to reclaim our food systems, reduce dependency on food imports, strengthen our local economy, and secure a sustainable agricultural future for Akwa Ibom State.

We believe that every community must become a food-producing hub, and every youth must be empowered to see agriculture not as a last resort, but as a noble and profitable venture.

ALIGNMENT WITH THE ARISE AGENDA

The ARISE Agenda of His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, recognizes Rural Development, Agricultural Revolution, Infrastructure, Security, and Economic Empowerment as vital pillars of transformation. As an organization, AKYFAFS fully aligns with this vision and calls for the following government actions to achieve real agricultural development:

GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND POLICY ACTIONS NEEDED

1. AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION CENTERS:
Establish Mechanization and Technology Hubs in all senatorial districts with access to subsidized tractors, planters, harvesters, irrigation kits, and mobile agro-processing units.

2. FARMERS’ GRANT SCHEME & NON-INTEREST LOANS:
Launch a dedicated ₦2 billion Agricultural Grants and Interest-Free Loans Scheme targeting verified youth-led cooperatives, smallholder farmers, and women in agriculture.

3. FARMERS’ AWARDS AND INCENTIVE PROGRAM:
Institute annual awards, rewards, and cash prizes for best-performing farmers, agripreneurs, processors, and innovators to foster healthy competition and excellence.

4. COOPERATIVE-BASED FUNDING SYSTEM:
Redirect funding to registered farmers’ cooperatives instead of individual political appointees to ensure transparency, accountability, and collective growth.

5. ESTABLISH AGRO-INDUSTRIAL CLUSTERS:
Develop agro-industrial parks focused on cassava, rice, maize, plantain, poultry, aquaculture, and oil palm production, linked with processing and export infrastructure.

6. SCHOOL AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS:
Make agriculture compulsory in primary and secondary schools, with support for school farms, agricultural clubs, and practical learning partnerships with AKYFAFS.

7. DIGITAL FARMER REGISTRATION AND MONITORING:
Digitally register farmers, cooperatives, and agricultural assets to facilitate monitoring, planning, subsidy distribution, and innovation deployment.

8. MARKET ACCESS AND PRICE STABILIZATION:
Provide structured access to local and international markets through government-backed off-taker agreements, e-commerce platforms, and price stabilization policies.

9. CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE AND TRAINING:
Train youths and women in climate-resilient farming techniques, organic alternatives, and modern agribusiness models.

10. FARMERS’ WELFARE PACKAGE:
Integrate farmers into state health insurance, pension, and life assurance schemes as a recognition of their role as national asset protectors.

CRITICAL FARM MACHINES AND TOOLS TO BE PROVIDED

To modernize and decongest the labor-intensive nature of farming, we recommend state procurement and distribution of:

Tractors with harrowers and ploughs

Seed planters and row transplanters

Solar-powered irrigation pumps

Power tillers and motorized weeders

Maize shellers, rice threshers, and cassava graters

Mobile dryers and storage silos

Organic fertilizer sprayers and hand-held harvesters

Cold rooms and solar processing centers in rural areas

OUR VISION: FROM CONSUMERS TO PRODUCERS

The time has come for Akwa Ibom State to shift from being a food-consuming state to a food-producing, processing, and exporting powerhouse. Through bold, youth-driven interventions like AKYFAFS, we can reclaim our food sovereignty, stimulate local economies, and reduce capital flight caused by importation.

CONCLUSION

Fellow citizens,
Let us be reminded that agriculture is not poverty – it is prosperity. It is not survival – it is national pride. The future belongs to those who control their food. We must therefore empower every youth, woman, cooperative, and community to farm, process, trade, and thrive.

We call on the Akwa Ibom State Government to fully embrace this charge under the ARISE Agenda and partner with AKYFAFS and other grassroots-driven stakeholders to achieve total food security and sustainability.

We must Grow What We Eat and Eat What We Grow.
We must reward those who feed us, not ignore them.
And we must rise to defend agriculture as the soul of our economy.

Signed:
Prince Offiong Ben
Director of Agricultural Projects and Productions
Akwa Ibom State Youth for Agriculture and Food Security Initiative (AKYFAFS)

26/04/2025

Program Promo for Comfort 95.1 FM

🎙️ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! 🎙️

Get ready for a groundbreaking conversation as Comfort 95.1 FM hosts a special segment as part of the Guinness World Record Attempt with Mighty George!

📅 Date: Monday, April 28, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Comfort FM Station, Akwa Ima Estate Extension, off Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Road

Joining the discussion is Prince Offiong Ben, Director of Agricultural Projects and Productions, Akwa Ibom State Youth For Agriculture And Food Security Initiative, (Akyfafs) who will be speaking on the topic:

"Growing What We Eat and Eating What We Grow."

In a time when food security and sustainability are more important than ever, this conversation will explore how we can harness local agriculture to strengthen our economy, improve nutrition, and promote self-sufficiency.

Tune in, be inspired, and be part of history as we set a new world record together!

📻 Stay locked on Comfort 95.1 FM!


23/04/2025

AKWA IBOM STATE YOUTH FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY INITIATIVE (AKYFAFS)
Motto: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

SPECIAL INVITATION TO FLAG-OFF CEREMONY OF AKYFAFS GROUP FARM PROJECT AT EDEBOM 1, NSIT IBOM LGA

Dear Esteemed Members and Friends of AKYFAFS,

Warm agricultural greetings!

We are pleased to invite you to the official flag-off ceremony of the AKYFAFS Group Farm Project by the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Mrs. Offiong Offor, scheduled as follows:

Date: Thursday, 24th April 2025
Time: 11:00 AM Prompt
Venue: AKYFAFS Group Farm, Edebom 1, Nsit Ibom LGA, Akwa Ibom State

This historic event marks another bold step in our collective commitment to food security and economic empowerment in Akwa Ibom State. The presence of the Honourable Commissioner is not only a strong show of government support but also opens doors to greater opportunities for our members, including:

Increased technical and financial assistance from the government

Access to quality input support for higher productivity

Official recognition of AKYFAFS’s contributions to agriculture and food security

Closer partnership between government and youth-driven agricultural initiatives

Since 2015, it has been the tradition of AKYFAFS to invite the government to flag off our projects across various farm locations, and the Edebom farm project proudly continues that legacy.

We passionately appeal to all members to attend this event in their numbers and accord the Honourable Commissioner a rousing welcome befitting of her unwavering commitment to agriculture and youth empowerment. Let us turn out in numbers and full strength to showcase the unity, strength, and impact of our organization.

This is also an important opportunity to present our achievements, challenges, and prospects directly to the government, and to submit our well-articulated requests and proposals for possible intervention and support.

Side attractions include:

Inspection of demonstration plots

Interactive session with government officials

Networking opportunities and media coverage

Let us all come together to make this event memorable and impactful. Together, we grow what we eat and eat what we grow.

For more inquiries, contact:
Director of Agricultural Projects and Productions
Prince Offiong Ben on
08089871464

Thank you for your continued dedication and support.

In Service to Food Security,
The National Executive Council (NEC)
Akwa Ibom State Youth for Agriculture and Food Security Initiative (AKYFAFS)

Together, we are breaking the cycle of poverty through agriculture.

31/03/2025

Godwin Akpan street

Ekpri Nsukara

Nnwaniba Road

Uyo

9th March, 2025

The Secretary,
NERC Uyo Forum Office,
Osongama Estate
Uyo.
Akwa Ibom State.

Discriminatory Power Supply Along Nwaniba Road, Uyo

Dear Sir,

I am writing to formally lodge a complaint against the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) regarding the near-total blackout being experienced by residents and businesses along Nwaniba Road from Water Fountain and the adjoining streets down to Five Star Hotel. This is in stark contrast to the near-constant electricity supply enjoyed by residents along the same Nwaniba Road from Ibom Plaza and its adjoining streets.

As you are aware, the entire Nwaniba area is classified under Band B, which, according to NERC regulations, should receive at least 16 hours of electricity supply daily. However, since December 2024, the affected areas from Water Fountain to Five Star Hotel have been subjected to only 5 hours of supply per day—from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM (2 hours) and 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (3 hours). Meanwhile, the Ibom Plaza section and its environs continue to enjoy nearly 24-hour power supply under the same Band B classification.

It is unacceptable that consumers on the same tariff plan, billing system, route, state, and business environment are being treated differently. This discriminatory supply pattern is causing severe hardship to residents, businesses, and economic activities in the affected areas.

We, the affected consumers, demand an immediate reversal of this unfair electricity distribution. PHED should ensure that all areas under Band B along the Nwaniba route receive the 16 hours of daily supply as required. Failure to address this issue promptly will leave us with no option but to mobilize affected consumers for further action, including legal redress, to seek justice.

We urge NERC to investigate this matter and take swift regulatory action to ensure fair and equitable power distribution to all Band B consumers in Uyo and its environs. Our patience has been stretched too far, and we will no longer remain silent in the face of this injustice.

We look forward to your prompt investigation and. intervention.

Yours sincerely,

For and on behalf of residents of Nnwaniba road from water Fountain to 5 Star Hotel, Uyo.

Prince Offiong Ben
08182261550

Address

1c Udoh Street
Uyo
2348089871464,08033407368

Telephone

+2348182261550

Website

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