By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
The governor of Cross River State, Bassey Edet Otu, has called for a concerted effort by farmers in order to achieve food security in the nation.
Otu made the call on Thursday during the 2024 Leboku cultural festival that took place at Ugep, the headquarters of Yakurr Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking at the Leboku annual cultural yam festival, organized by the Yakurr people of the Central senatorial district of the state, the state chief executive hailed the Yakurr monarch, Obol Lopon of Ugep, His Royal Majesty, Obol Ofem Eteng, for the peace observed in his domain.
The governor stated that it is only when there is peace in the land that development can speedily be attracted into the land, appealing for sustenance of the tempo.
Otu stressed that the state government is pleased with the way and manner the monarch has managed the affairs of his domain.
Representing the governor, state deputy governor, Mr. Peter Odey, averred that available records showed that since his enthronement as the Obol Lopon of Ugep and paramount ruler of Yakurr, inter-communal crises had decreased, leading to the socio-economic development of the area.
Speaking on the theme ‘Community Mobilization for Sustainable Growth,’ the governor promised to used the Leboku yam festival to encourage food production and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Yakurr nation.
He said, “My administration is poised to sustain the momentum of the event and even surpass its achievements.”
Otu stressed that his administration is fully prepared to partner with the Yakurr nation to move from subsistence system of farming farming to mechanized farming, where machines would be introduced into farming.
He said that with machinery, small farm holders agricultural entrepreneurs can embark on large scale rice, cassava, palm oil, cocoa and yams production for food security in the state.
Earlier, the paramount ruler of Yakurr Local Government Area and the Obol Lopon of Ugep, HRM, Obol Eteng, who received the deputy governor, Mr. Odey, expressed appreciation to the state government for gracing the yam festival.
