By Blessing Enagu
The agricultural prosperity vision of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu of extracting adequate value from major cash crops predominantly produced in Cross River State is gradually coming to fruition.
The air of hope is enkindled by the unbridled commitment of the Multi-stakeholder Committee for Cocoa, Coffee and Oil Palm Strategic Development Plan.
Upon its inauguration by Governor Otu, the Committee was saddled with the responsibility to develop a 7-year Strategic Plan for Cocoa and Oil Palm value chains, draw a roadmap for coffee production in the State, among other terms of reference.
The Committee’s activities, including extensive stakeholder engagements, rigorous data collection and analysis, strategic training sessions, and study tours, have culminated in the current phase of drafting and reviewing the strategic plan.
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At a recent meeting in Calabar, initial drafts outlining strategic objectives and targets for the cocoa and oil palm sectors were presented, accompanied by detailed pathways to achieve them. Discussions also delved into the ongoing review of produce laws to align with current standards, as well as proposals for financing models and risk management strategies crucial for the success of the 7-year development program.
Addressing stakeholders, Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, reaffirmed the administration’s steadfast commitment to maximizing the state’s agricultural potential. He emphasized that meticulous planning attracts private sector investments essential for project sustainability.
The Commissioner lauded the collaborative efforts among key sector players and called for robust deliberations to ensure the strategic plan’s comprehensiveness. He further urged subcommittees to devise strategies for compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Also speaking, the chairperson of the Multi-stakeholder Committee, Prof. Susan Ohen, acknowledged stakeholders’ pivotal contributions towards achieving set objectives, underscoring the plan’s significance for Cross River State’s economic landscape. The Chairperson urged stakeholders to conduct thorough reviews of draft documents to finalize a plan that fosters a sustainable cash crop economy by 2031.
Technical partners, including FAO GEF-7 FORLUR-IP project represented by Prof. Adebayo Shittu and Mr. Olawale from Lutheran World Relief Trace project, reiterated their unwavering commitment to supporting the initiative.
The meeting drew participation from key stakeholders, including: the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Prof John Shiyam, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Secretary of the Multi-Stakeholder Committee, Ekpe Bassey, Vice Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Damian Agom, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tree crops, Fidelis Edem, Cross River State Forestry Commission Chairman, Rt. Hon. George Oben-Etchi, and the National Project Coordinator, FAO- GEF 7 Folur-IP project, Prof. Oladapo Akinyemi.
Also in attendance were: Statistician General, Dr. Josephat Ogar, State Project Coordinator, FORLUR-IP project, Cletus Ogbidi, State Chairman, OPGAN, Rev. Ojikpong Nyiam-Bisong, State Chairman of CFAN, Dr Tiku Ndep, Egong Owai of SOLIDARIDAD, Dr. Philip Oviasogie of NIFOR, technical directors of the Ministry, among others.
This concerted effort marks a significant stride towards realizing Governor Otu’s vision of agricultural prosperity, positioning Cross River State as a beacon of sustainable economic growth through strategic agricultural development.
