News Editor
By David Odama
In its drive to enhance food security and promote agricultural development, the Cross River State Government has reiterated its commitment to intentional and strategic agricultural policies.
Governor Bassey Otu, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, made this commitment on Tuesday while receiving a joint delegation from the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the Republic of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) at the Glass House, Government House, Calabar.
Welcoming the delegation, Rt. Hon. Odey emphasized the pivotal role of agriculture in the state’s economic agenda. He outlined ongoing efforts to strengthen agricultural practices, boost productivity, and attract investments in the sector.
“Our administration, under the leadership of the ‘People First’ Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, is deliberate and strategic in shaping agricultural policies. We recognize agriculture as a key driver of food security, youth employment, and economic growth. This is why we are committed to building partnerships that enhance capacity and deliver sustainable benefits to our people,” Odey stated.
In his remarks, Mr. Tofiq Braiman, the team leader and representative of FAO’s Country Representative to Nigeria, commended the Cross River State Government for its collaborative efforts toward advancing agricultural development and improving livelihoods.
He noted that the FAO, in partnership with the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), is working to develop critical agricultural value chains to foster youth employment, empower women, and uplift Cross Riverians.
Mr. Braiman further expressed FAO and KOICA’s readiness to collaborate with Cross River State in implementing innovative and strategic agricultural programs, which seek improve crop production and agricultural practices as well as improving the socioeconomic status of the state’s residents.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh; KOICA team leader, Ki-Hyon Baik, and his team, Commissioner for International Donor Coordination, Dr. Hippolatus Lukpata, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Patrick Egbede, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Dr. Helen Isamo, and the Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Chris Ojikpong, among others.
