After Three Decades, Vika Farms Opens Therapeutic Garden to the Public
Vika Farms, which has existed for more than three decades has taken on a new role, opening part of its expanaive farm as a garden to offer visitors a space to relax, connect, and spend time in nature.
The initiative, known as Mandu’s Garden, was formally unveiled during its inaugural gathering last weekend at Vika Farms Complex, Mbak Road, Uyo.
The ceremony brought together people from all walks of life interested who are not only in farming but also in having meaningful conversation, reflection, and shared experiences.
Speaking at the event, Professor Mandu Essien-Ibok explained that the idea was conceived by her daughter, Dr. Meyemade Asikpo Essien-Ibok, who wanted to move gardening beyond routine farm work into club.
She said “Today’s event is the inaugural meeting of Mandu’s Garden, a brainchild of my daughter Dr. Meyemade.
“She wants to take farming and gardening away from the known world of weeding and uprooting and planting. She wants to transform it into a club.
“You meet, you talk about gardening, you talk about the plants you like, you talk about whatever else you want to talk about… And if you have concerns while in the farm and while in the community, you could ask whatever questions you want to ask, and it will be answered.”
She said the space was intended to allow people to meet, talk about plants and life, and find calm away from daily pressures.
Prof. Mandu noted that the garden was also conceived as a place where people could quietly ease mental strain, adding that emotional and mental challenges are often unseen. According to her, spending time walking through nature, observing plants, and engaging with others can help clear the mind and promote a sense of healing.
“You know, there’s something like mental illness. Mental illness doesn’t necessarily mean until the person is walking mad on the road, but one could still have a mental problem, and it’s hidden. So when you come to a garden like this and you walk around, it helps. You free your mind, you see things from nature and it could actually free your mind, and help you heal”.
Dr. Meyemade Asikpo Essien-Ibok, the founder of Mandu’s Garden, described it as a gathering of like-minded people who choose to spend time together purposefully. She said the garden was created as a place where visitors could set aside stress, plan together, and share experiences in a supportive environment.
“Mandu’s Garden is different from Vika Farms. Mandu’s Garden is a community. So, this is an intentional space. So, two people can gather, and their minds are all over the place, so imagine a gathering of about three people-like-minded people that all come to the space to do the same thing. I’m inviting them to come, leave their worries, leave their stress, let’s plant together”
She said the idea was inspired by her mother, Prof. Mandu, whose approach to life, research, and gardening shaped the project. Dr. Meyenade explained that her mother’s return to nature later in life highlighted the value of plants and green spaces in personal well-being.
“This farm started before I was born. So, Mandu’s Garden is different from Vika Farms, and I would honestly put it on notice that it’s God that gave me the idea – God and love. So, a question I’ve been waiting for all day for someone to ask me is where the name Mandu’s Garden comes from? It came from my mom. My mom’s name is Mandu, and she has taught me a lot of things about love. She has taught me a lot of things about planting, gardening, research, and spending your time wisely. She has been my light.”
“So, on that note, I know the benefit of spending quality time because I have that with my mom. I know the benefit of planting something that can help you, be it your skin, your stomach, your body issues, wellness, you know, taking life personally. And that’s something I noticed that she did as she got older; she retreated back into nature, you know, she picked up things from nature, started planting, started researching”.
According to her, Mandu’s Garden is built around learning and connection rather than formal instruction, with plans for regular activities including gardening sessions, exercise, book readings, and other group events. She said the goal was for participants to leave feeling better than when they arrived and to adopt gardening as part of their everyday lives.
The project is currently self-funded, with the founder saying she is open to donations and sponsorships that align with the values of the initiative.
Organisers say Mandu’s Garden will host monthly and annual events, with the long-term aim of building a culture of intentional living, shared learning, and connection with nature.
