Federal Government Urges Integrity in Akwa Ibom Loan Scheme

The federal government has issued a warning to enumerators and local government desk officers involved in the FarmerMoni interest-free agricultural loan scheme in Akwa Ibom State, urging them to avoid malpractices and ensure that only genuine farmers benefit. This warning was given by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, during the flag-off of the enumeration exercise for FarmerMoni beneficiaries and the training of local government desk officers at the State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs in Uyo.

Represented by Mr Akanimo Effiom, the South-South Zonal Coordinator of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), Doro stressed that the success of the scheme relies on the integrity of field officers. He called for accurate data collection and professionalism during the exercise.

The initiative aims to improve farmers' access to financial support, enhance agricultural productivity, and align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda focused on economic empowerment and food security. Princess Emem Ibanga, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, highlighted the challenges faced by rural farmers, particularly women and young people.