Akwa Ibom State says it is set to partner Bertola Machine Tools Limited to enhance food production in the state through mechanized farming.
The efforts, according to the State Government, are geared towards the actualization of the agricultural revolution aspiration of his administration’s ARISE Agenda.
State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno made this known when he visited the company’s premises at Ifa Atai, Airport Road, Uyo, on a facility tour and inspection of purpose-built machines and tools for agricultural activities at the weekend.
Governor Eno affirmed that at a time when the State government, as part of its agricultural revolution drive towards ensuring food sufficiency in the state was planning to set up equipment leasing services to make some basic machines available and accessible to farmers, Bertola would be a dependable partner.
The governor commended the consistency of Bertola Machine Tools Limited in the equipment and machinery industry and for maintaining its trademark of integrity in its dealings across the nation over the years.
He directed the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Offiong Offor, and her Works and Fire Service counterpart, Professor Eno Ibanga, to draw up modalities for government partnership with the company to avail farmers in the State machines for basic farm operations.
“As part of our Agricultural revolution, we are setting up an equipment leasing company to provide support to farmers in Akwa Ibom. That is why we are here. “We are talking about Agric revolution, and if someone has what we want to achieve this vision, we need to patronize and support him,” he stated.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bertola Machine Tools Limited, Evangelist Albert Inyang, who showed the governor around the facilities, lauded the honest intentions of Governor Eno for Akwa Ibom people which, he said, has been clearly demonstrated in his pursuit of live-touching projects and programmes.