Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has affirmed his dedication to tackling food security issues and reducing the cost of living for citizens, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s initiatives.
The state government’s recent efforts include cultivating 50,000 hectares of rice, 20,000 hectares of oil palm, and 20,000 hectares of cassava to address rising food prices in the state and nationally.
At a one-day town hall meeting of agricultural stakeholders in Calabar on Wednesday, Mr Emmanuel Anoh, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rice Value Chain, highlighted the strong turnout of farmers and stakeholders. He stated this shows the farmers’ support for the governor’s agro-revolution.
Anoh encouraged farmers to adopt Governor Otu’s agricultural policies to benefit from the government’s agenda of creating green millionaires and enhancing food security.
The meeting concluded with a seven-point communique, rejecting any protests and urging others in the value chain to do the same.
Participants praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his fertilizer support to farmers and commended Governor Otu for his leadership and significant support for smallholder farmers in cultivating rice, cassava, and oil palm.
Rev. Emmanuel Nyiam-Bisong, State Chairman of the Oil Palm Farmers Association, lauded Governor Otu’s material and financial backing for oil palm production. Chief Ndem Effiong, State Chairman of Catfish Farmers, highlighted the substantial benefits of aquaculture investments. Sir Oliver Ntui, State Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, assured the unity of Cross River State farmers in utilizing the state’s arable land to boost food production and lower market prices.
