Senator flags training on oil palm farming

In a significant step toward building a self-reliant and agriculturally empowered constituency, Senator Aniekan Bassey of Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District has flagged off a capacity development training programme on oil palm farming, drawing grassroots participation and sparking renewed hope for sustainable livelihoods. The two-day programme, held at the Aniekan Bassey Senatorial District Secretariat, goes […]

In a significant step toward building a self-reliant and agriculturally empowered constituency, Senator Aniekan Bassey of Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District has flagged off a capacity development training programme on oil palm farming, drawing grassroots participation and sparking renewed hope for sustainable livelihoods.

The two-day programme, held at the Aniekan Bassey Senatorial District Secretariat, goes beyond traditional political empowerment—it is a hands-on investment in the lives and futures of the people. With an emphasis on practical knowledge and long-term wealth creation, the initiative equips participants not only with skills but also with the means to immediately begin their own oil palm enterprises.

The opening session was graced by Hon. Edidiong Inyang, Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, who hailed the initiative as a timely intervention for the economic transformation of rural communities.

“This training is unique because it’s practical, focused, and designed to yield results,” Hon. Inyang said. “By targeting the grassroots and giving them both knowledge and tools, Senator Bassey is empowering our people to grow their own wealth through agriculture.”

The training covered the full spectrum of oil palm farming—from cultivation and plantation management to harvesting, processing, and marketing. Participants learned from experienced facilitators, including Mr. Ernest Awakessien from the Ministry of Agriculture, who led the practical sessions. His message was clear: with the right skills and commitment, oil palm farming can be a pathway to prosperity.

Obong Godwin Awah, Director General of Team Aniekan Bassey, highlighted how the training fits into a broader vision for economic independence.

“Senator Bassey is not offering palliatives,” Obong Awah noted. “He’s building systems. Systems that will outlive any political season—systems that put power in the hands of the people.”

Adding a tangible layer of support to the initiative, the programme’s Director, Hon. Desmond Etim, announced that each participant would receive start-up capital and palm seedlings to help them immediately transition from training to active farming.

“This is empowerment that speaks to real needs,” Hon. Etim remarked. “It supports Governor Umo Eno’s A.R.I.S.E. Agenda on agriculture, economic expansion, and community development.”

With the launch of this oil palm initiative, Senator Aniekan Bassey has once again demonstrated a visionary approach to leadership—one rooted in sustainability, productivity, and the prosperity of his people.