AKWA IBOM, UYO – The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced a major policy adjustment to its “Work Free Farming Days” initiative, restricting the previously bi-monthly programme to only the first Friday of every month starting June 2025.
This decision, according to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Enobong Uwah, follows a thorough review of the initiative’s performance and the need to balance civil service responsibilities with agricultural empowerment.
Previously, the programme allowed civil servants to engage in farming activities on both the first and third Fridays of every month.
“In line with the government’s commitment to agricultural productivity and uninterrupted public service delivery, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Ph.D, has approved the adjustment to observe Work Free Farming Days on first Fridays only,” Uwah stated in the official release dated May 8, 2025.
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He explained that the initiative, launched to encourage civil servants to participate in farming, had yielded positive results, but a reassessment was necessary to avoid disruptions to governance.
“This change will allow officials to continue contributing to our agricultural revolution while ensuring that the duties and responsibilities of government are discharged without undue interruption,” Uwah emphasized.
In adherence to ethical public service and organizational responsibility, the government also clarified that essential services would remain operational.
Workers in the Governor’s Office, Deputy Governor’s Office, the SSG’s Office, the Office of the Head of Service, and all emergency and essential service staff are exempted from participating in the work-free day.
“All Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are hereby directed to adjust accordingly and ensure full compliance,” the statement further directed.
Reaffirming the state’s long-term vision, Uwah reiterated that “the government remains committed to supporting our workforce in agricultural pursuit to boost our domestic food production.”
By integrating both public interest and administrative duty, the government’s approach demonstrates a deontological commitment to ethical governance — making decisions based on moral principles of responsibility, service delivery, and the welfare of the people.
The statement was issued from the Governor’s Office Complex in Uyo and serves as an official directive to all relevant government institutions.
