Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has announced that the state is shifting from subsistence to mechanized agricultural practices.
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He mentioned that the government has obtained light and heavy-duty machinery to help smallholder farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs engage in large-scale production of rice, cassava, oil palm, cocoa, and yams to ensure food security in the state.
Otu conveyed this message through his deputy, Peter Odey, during the celebration of this year’s Leboku International New Yam Festival in Ugep, Yakurr LGA.
Otu also acknowledged the deliberate efforts of successive administrations in the state to utilize the event to promote food production and highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Yakurr people.
“My administration is poised to sustain the momentum of the event and even surpass its achievements,” he said.
He called for concerted efforts to achieve food security in the state.
The Paramount Ruler, the Obol Lopon of Ugep, HRM Ofem Ubana Eteng, expressed his appreciation on behalf of the Yakurr nation to the governor, members of the Cross River State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, and other political officeholders for gracing the occasion and for their sustained support of the New Yam Festival celebration.
