AT 2024 CAROLS FESTIVAL, GOV ENO LAUNCHES ARISE HOME FARMERS SCHEME, HARPS ON PEACE, LOVE

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AT 2024 CAROLS FESTIVAL, GOV ENO LAUNCHES ARISE HOME FARMERS SCHEME, HARPS ON PEACE, LOVE

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 everyone to have a farm or garden at home.

Governor Eno launched the scheme at the 2024 edition of the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival held at the amphitheatre of the Unity Park, Uyo, 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, where over 600 elderly citizens in the State are selected monthly and given N50, 000 each with some food items and multivitamins, said in the AHFS, 50 home farmers will be selected and given N500, 000 each to boost their farms.

He explained that the scheme is basically to encourage home farmers in line with the ARISE spirit, stressing that everyone should have at least a garden within his home to help stem the increasing cost of staple food and accompanying items.

Governor Eno who is reputed for his compassionate disposition said that in the spirit of the season, Akwa Ibom workers will be paid 13th month salary, while bags of rice will be sent to each of the 2, 272 gazetted villages in the State to ensure a merry Christmas in every home.

He said the theme of the Carols festival, “Peace and Holiness with All Men, ” was a reflection of the season, adding that the State under his leadership had long decided to work peaceably with all men, hence working across party lines.

Governor Eno who has been adjudged as workers’ friendly, said the State has decided to pay N80, 000 minimum wage with effect from November 2024, but will commence payment after completing the ongoing verification exercise to ascertain the true number of workers in the State.

He said that though labour had agreed to forego the 13th month salary, for commencement of minimum wage, government has decided to still continue the payment in the spirit of the season.

The Governor urged everyone to spread love especially to the less privilege, and presented a cheque of N5, 000, 000 to one Usen Akpan Matthew for his volunteer service, while promising better days for those who have imbibed the ARISE spirit and have volunteered their services at different areas of need.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh said the 2024 Christmas Carol was the 17th edition, adding that in 2010, a concert featuring 25,272 carol singers made it to the Guinness World Records, and the event has consistently been improving over the years.

He commended the Governor for furthering on the largest single gathering of Christian worshipers worldwide, stressing that it remains the most longed-for, and well-attended Carol festival in the country and beyond.

In his remarks, the State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Bishop Christian Nyong, commended the Governor for furthering on the annual Christmas Carol festival and described the 2024 edition as a golden outing.

He also commended the Governor for not disappointing the Christian community, adding that he is not just a pastor by title, but more by mantle, and urged everyone to continue to pray for him as, according to him, Governor Eno remains the best thing that has happened to the State.

In his message on the theme of the Carols festival, Pastor Dennis Inyang, the Apostolic Overseer of
Sure World Assembly, said the birth of Jesus is a sign that God can do the impossible, stressing that Jesus is the prince of Peace, and if anyone must pursue peace successfully, the person must accept Jesus.

He commended the State Governor for his unifying spirit, adding that God specifically sent him to enthrone peace in the State, and urged everyone to live peaceably with all men.

The colourfully-organized and exhilarating event featured prominent gospel artistes, choir ministrations, Bible reading by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs Helen Eno Obareki, and other activities.

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