By Ovat Lawrence
As the world observes another World Food Day, the Cross River State government, through its Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, joined other states in commemorating this important occasion.
Opening the event, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo KSM, emphasized that this year’s theme, “Right to Foods for a Better Live and Better Future,” is particularly relevant as Nigeria faces significant food security challenges. He asserted that every Nigerian, regardless of status, deserves access to food.
The Commissioner highlighted the commitment of Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu in combating food and feed insecurity in the state. He referenced the recent initiation of a twelve-thousand-hectare agricultural development project in Odukpani, marking a shift towards commercial agriculture. He assured that the state government will support and strengthen farmers’ associations and various crop value chain groups, providing training when necessary to enhance food production. “This initiative is expected to not only increase food availability but also create jobs and generate wealth for smallholder farmers”, he added.
Hon. Ebokpo announced plans for a dedicated nutrition week, which will span across the three senatorial districts, and pledged the Ministry’s collaboration with local government chairpersons to improve access roads for the transportation of agricultural products.
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October 16 each year is designated to celebrate World Food Day, an annual global event observed by 150 FAO member countries, underscoring the pressing need to: Collaborate to eliminate hunger, Produce food that promotes health and livelihoods.
Various activities were organized to celebrate this year’s event, including a sensitization walk in the city, a keynote address by Prof. Susan Ohen, and a panel discussion moderated by Prof. Damian Agom. The panelists with Prof. John Shiyam as one of the discussants, discussed the importance of food in society, the right to quality food, and the efforts made by the state government to enhance the agricultural sector.
A highlight of the event was the showcase of agricultural products from various farmers’ clusters, which were inspected by Commissioner Ebokpo and his counterpart, Ntufam Emmanuel Anom. The event also featured awards presented to deserving partners and stakeholders, including FAO Folur -IP project, Solidaridad West Africa, Mr. Dylan Ovat, Chief Ilem Gabriel, Rt. Hon. Daniel Asuquo among others.
