The Cross River State Government has flagged off the cultivation of 30 million coffee seedlings across the 18 Local Government Areas, signalling a major leap in the state’s agricultural revival efforts under the leadership of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu.
Speaking during the launch ceremony held at state executive council chamber, Governor Otu described the initiative as a bold and strategic move to reposition Cross River as Nigeria’s coffee capital and an emerging player in the global coffee market. The project, he said, aligns with the administration’s “People First” agenda and is aimed at empowering farmers, creating jobs, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and boosting agro-industrial development.
“With 30 million robust and climate-appropriate seedlings being distributed across our 18 Local Government Areas, this project offers much more than cultivation,” Governor Otu declared. “It is about job creation, wealth generation, ecological restoration, and building an inclusive economy.”
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He praised the strategic partnership with JR Farms, a globally recognized agrifood company with operations across Africa and Europe, for bringing technical expertise, market access, and international best practices into the project. He also acknowledged the role of development partners, stakeholders, and local communities whose support has been vital to the project’s rollout.
With the coffee initiative now underway, the Cross River State Government expressed confidence that each seedling planted will grow into a tree of prosperity, bringing long-term benefits to farmers, communities, and the entire state.
Governor Otu also declared: “Together, we will make Cross River a reference point in agricultural innovation, ethical practices, and green development.”
The Governor used the occasion to encourage further investment in the state’s vast agricultural value chains, including cocoa, oil palm, rice, cassava, and livestock. “Cross River remains open for business,” he said, inviting investors to explore opportunities beyond coffee.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, described the launch as a “historic moment” and a practical expression of the state’s agricultural transformation vision. He credited the Governor’s visionary leadership for driving the initiative and facilitating the partnership with JR Farms.
“The 30 million Robusta and Arabica seedlings will be distributed and cultivated based on ecological suitability,” Ebokpo said. “This project transcends mere coffee production; it promotes inclusive growth, sustainable investment, ethical practices, and green development.”
He acknowledged the successful enumeration process led by the ministry and applauded the involvement of traditional rulers, women, and youth. The Commissioner also thanked Her Excellency, Bishop Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for her role in mobilizing women’s participation in the project.
In his remarks, Mr. Olawale Rotimi, Chief Executive Officer of JR Farms Group, praised Cross River’s leadership for creating an enabling environment that made the coffee initiative a reality. He revealed that JR Farms, which has worked with over 4,000 coffee farmers across East Africa, had considered other Nigerian states for similar investment but found the commitment and organization lacking, until Cross River came calling.
“What we are witnessing today is not just an event, but a demonstration of vision, leadership, and commitment that will place Cross River on the global map of coffee production,” he said.
Rotimi outlined JR Farms’ contributions, including technical training, post-planting support, development of coffee washing stations, and a global market access framework for Cross River coffee. The company is also committed to offtaking the coffee produced in the state and sharing Cross River’s coffee story with the world through media and global platforms.
He commended the efforts of the governor, the Deputy Governor, the Commissioner for Agriculture, and other stakeholders, while expressing gratitude to the French Embassy and international partners supporting the project.
