Governor Umo Eno has advised Akwa Ibom residents to ramp up farming to ensure food sufficiency and ease the current economic hardship.

The governor gave the advice on Thursday while addressing the leadership of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Uyo.

Mr Eno said the involvement of a high percentage of the population in farming would address the current economic hardship.

He blamed the present economic situation on long-time neglect of agriculture.

Mr Eno said the Akwa Ibom government was planning to establish a Bulk Purchase Agency to help moderate commodity prices and reduce the hardship’s effects on citizens.

He said the solution to the current economic situation was beyond trading blame but required a readjustment of lifestyles and adopting measures such as farming as a viable option irrespective of class.

The governor said the hardship did not occur by accident as it resulted from long-time neglect of things that should have been done.

The governor used the medium to appeal to Nigerians to exercise patience with the government and continue to pray for the leaders in different positions as commanded by God in the holy books.

Mr Eno welcomed and appreciated the leadership of the CCN for choosing Akwa Ibom for their National Executive Council meeting.

Earlier in his remarks, the CCN president, David Onuoha, said the team was in the state for a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

(NAN)