Ini sets pace in rice production as Hon. Umah unveils Arise Ini Rice

…performs groundbreaking for construction of ICT Hub

While many are struggling with the soaring costs of rice across the nation, Ini people can now proudly consume rice grown in their soil and processed by their own hands as Ini Local Government Area.

January 9, 2025, made history with the official unveiling of its locally produced and processed rice, branded as ARISE INI RICE.

The event, which took place in the remodelled Ini Council Hall amid jubilation from residents, showcased a remarkable stride toward food security and economic independence, which further consolidated its place as the food basket of Akwa Ibom State.

The ceremony which coincided with a Thank You Get-Together for PDP Faithful, witnessed the unveiling and distribution of beautifully branded bags of ARISE INI RICE to indigenes of the area by the Executive Chairman of Ini LGA, Hon. Inibehe Umah, demonstrating that the project has moved beyond mere conceptualization to actual production and distribution.

In his speech, the Ini Council Boss appreciated the stakeholders and all party faithful for supporting him before, during and after the elections, while also applauding the State Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno PhD, for performing creditably well.

“Today, I’m here to say thank you to our party faithful and to also wish you all a happy new year. I want to thank His Excellency for his sterling performance ever since he was sworn in as Governor,” Umah stated.

Hon. Umah said the initiative is in line with the ARISE Agenda of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno on food security and sufficiency.

He emphasized that the ARISE INI RICE project, which has gone through various stages from cultivation to processing and now distribution, employs modern agricultural practices and processing techniques to ensure the final product meets the highest quality standards.

“Governor Umo Eno has been magnanimous in siting of projects across the 31 local government areas of the state, appointment of youths and women into various positions as well as taking care of the aged people.

“The Governor is very much interested in agriculture, and as a government at the grassroots, we must key in and replicate same in our domains. What we are witnessing today is not just the launch of a rice brand; it is the birth of a new era in the agricultural history of Ini LGA,” Umah added.

He went on to announce plans to establish an ICT hub which he said when completed, will feature modern computer systems, reliable internet connectivity, and dedicated training spaces where students can familiarize themselves with computer-based testing environments well before their actual examinations.

He added that the ICT hub will also serve as a certified CBT center, eliminating the need for Ini students to travel to distant locations for computer-based examinations.

“The ICT Hub project is borne out of our observation that many of our students struggle during JAMB and other computer-based examinations because they lack access to computer facilities for practice.

“Some have had to travel long distances to find CBT centers, while others arrive at examination venues with limited computer experience. This hub will change that narrative,” Umah explained.

The Ini Council helmsman assured the people of judicious use of every penny in the recently passed budget, while also highlighting some of the projects embarked upon by his administration that are nearing completion. He also announced plans to build a mini stadium that will enhance sports development among the youth.

He thanked his predecessors for laying good foundations, and promised to consolidate on their achievements to make Ini a beautiful place.

Goodwill messages were received from the Honourable Commissioner of Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, represented by her spouse, Associate Prof. Samuel Offor, the member representing Ini State Constituency, Hon. Lawrence Udoide, represented by Elder Isaac Moses, the immediate past Dean of Commissioners and Special Advisers and founder, Akan-Glo foundation, Dr. Glory Edet, the Honourary Special Adviser to Akwa Ibom State Governor on Special Projects, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Bassey, the Political Leader of Ini LGA, Rt. Hon. Ini Udoka, the SA to Akwa Ibom State Governor on Youth Mobilization, Ikono-Ini Federal Constituency, Hon. Charles Udofia, and Mrs. Imaobing Peter, PDP Chapter Woman Leader, all applauding Hon. Inibehe Umah for keying into the ARISE Agenda of Gov. Eno, stressing that they are proud of all he has achieved so far.

In another development, a pivotal political statement was made through a unanimous motion supporting Governor Umo Eno’s second term bid for 2027.

The motion, which was moved by the Political Leader of Ini, Prof. Ini Udoka and seconded by the Leader of Ini Legislative Council, Hon. Donald Usoroh, received overwhelming support from party stakeholders and members, highlighting the Governor’s impactful leadership and his administration’s support for grassroots development initiatives.

Highpoints of the event were the unveiling and distribution of ARISE INI RICE, groundbreaking for the construction of ICT Hub and the motion for Governor Umo Eno’s second term.

The event had in attendance the Honourable Commissioner of Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, represented by her spouse, Associate Prof. Samuel Offor, the member representing Ini State Constituency, Hon. Lawrence Udoide, represented by Elder Isaac Moses, the immediate past Dean of Commissioners and Special Advisers and founder, Akan-Glo foundation, Dr. Glory Edet, the Honourary Special Adviser to Akwa Ibom State Governor on Special Projects, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Bassey, the Political Leader of Ini LGA, Rt. Hon. Ini Udoka, Hon. Mrs. Veronica Edidiong Bassey, Vice Chairman of Ini LGA, Hon. Donald Usoro, Leader, Ini Legislative Council, Mr. Ubong Mkpa, Secretary of Council.

Others were, Mrs. Imaobing Peter, PDP Chapter Woman Leader, Ini LGA, Hon. Charles Udofia, SA to Akwa Ibom State Governor on Youth Mobilization, Ikono-Ini Federal Constituency, State Officer, Mrs. Alice Udoette, Mpkisong Edet Akang, DG of Inibehe Campaign Council, Elder Isaac Moses, DG of Eka Ubok Abasi Campaign Council, Hon. Emmanuel Ebe, former Chairman Ini LGA, Dr Etim Anwatim, former Chairman Ini LGA, Sir Israel Idaisin, immediate past Executive Chairman of Ini, Hon. Innocent Udom, immediate past Transition Committee Chairman, Hon. Imo Abam, PDP Chapter Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Uma, immediate past PDP Chapter Chairman, Councillors, Ward PAs to the Governor, Stakeholders, Elders, Women and Youths.