We Recognize Key Gains Recorded by FOLUR-NG in the State - Hon. Johnson Ebokpo

Iloke Egbe 

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambe Ebokpo has expressed satisfaction with the contributions and support the State is receiving from Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR-NG) project in the State. 

He affirmed this when he declared a two day consultative workshop of Cross River State FOLUR-NG multi-stakeholders platform held at April’s Hall, Plot C5 3rd Avenue, State Housing Estate Calabar. In attendance, were relevant development partners from TRACE, GIZ, PULA, SOLIDARIDAD, PROPCOM, PILA, FAO, relevant MDAs, across sections of implementing LGA chairmen, legal experts, private sectors in Cocoa and oil palm and the academia. 

According to the commissioner, FOLUR-NG has supported enhancement of capacity among farmers, extension agents, and Agricultural officers through targeted training and retraining programmes thereby boosting productivity and promoting sustainable practices, including restoration of degraded land in Akamkpa LGA.

He admitted that Cross River State Government under the able leadership of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is fully committed to the partnership, and will continue to provide the necessary support, including co-financing obligations, enabling policies and conducive environment for effective project implementation. 

On his part, the National Coordinator of FOLUR-NG, Prof. Oladabo Akinyemi expressed excitement with the turn out of relevant Stakeholders and their contributions during the proceedings, adding that something different and positive will come through going forward.

Also adding his voice, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Prof. John Sheyam described the event as very successful, that it will add more value to what the state has done and is currently doing.

The event featured report on overview of the FOLUR-NG projects, the role of MSP in project implementation, goodwill message from the commissioner MIDC, Elder Dr Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata,  panel discussion on the current status, barriers and needed actions, customary titling and title registration of Agricultural land, and presentation of Land Use Act, an overview, provisions on customary land titling by LGA chairmen.

Other dignitaries in attendance were the chief technical advisor, FOLUR-NG Prof. Adebayo Shittu, the State Project coordinator Mr Cletus Ogbidi and management Staff of the project.