Akpabio flags- off distribution of 16,800 bags of fertilizers in Akwa Ibom
••• 45 students receive N500k Cheques each
Ani Bassey
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday, flagged-off the distribution of 16,800 bags of fertilizers to farmers in Akwa Ibom State.
This intervention was in fulfillment of his promise of qualitative and effective representation to the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District.
He also used the flag- off ceremony to personally present the second tranche of cheques of N500,000 Naira each to 45 students of tertiary institutions on the platform of the Godswill Akpabio Scholarship Scheme.
Speaking at the ceremony in Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio charged the beneficiaries under the aegis of the Godswill Akpabio Back To Farm Initiative ( GABFI), to ensure judicious application of the substance for better yields in the next harvest season.
A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, quoted the Senate President, as saying, ” when I was campaigning to be your Senator, I promised to give you quality and effective representation by influencing life changing projects, human capital development and empowerment to you people.
“Today, we are gathered here to fulfil that solemn promise I made while asking for your votes.
“Today’s flag-off has nothing to do with political party affiliation. It is meant for farmers across party lines. It is intended to ensure that there is food security in Nigeria. Hunger knows no political party. It is my hope that in the next harvest period, we will have enough to eat and to spare.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu -led administration is to ensure that we eat what we produce and produce what we eat.
“I thank Mr President for supporting the back to land programme by approving the release of free fertilizers to the local farmers. I hereby, flag- off this distribution on behalf of our president.”
The distribution of another 16,800 bags of rice was also flagged-off by the President of the Senate, who directed that it be shared across all the three Senatorial districts in the state.
Akpabio was accompanied to the flag- off, presentation and distribution ceremony by his wife, Mrs Unoma, the Deputy Senate Whip, Onyekachi Nweboyin, Senators Eteng Williams and Ita Enang.
