By AMAWU Cletus Albert Amawu.
C’RIVER STATE COOPERATIVE STAKEHOLDERS ASSOCIATION LIMITED PAY COURTESY VISIT TO COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT.
The State Director of Cooperative, Ukandi Ogar Emmanuel Iduku of the Cross River State Ministry of Social Welfare and Community Development and some Executive members of the Cross River State Cooperative Stakeholders Limited Association led by Sir. Paul Ihwo, paid a courtesy visit on the Honourable Commissioner of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Mr. Johnson Ebokpo Jnr. for familiarisation in solidarity with the Ministry’s quest to drive His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s policy on agro revolution.
In his response, the Commissioner welcome the Team on behalf of the Ministry and wondered why such a visit was coming late. Hence, according to him, the Cooperative Societies as Stakeholders will play a pivotal role to drive the policy trust of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu as it concerns agro development and revolution for food security, self sufficiency and generate sustainable internal generated revenue (IGR) to drive development.
“Your visit importance can’t be overemphasized. Hence, the Government have taken proactive steps to enhance agricultural productivity by fostering partnerships with Cooperatives and Associations to address the structural challenges faced by smallholder farmers, such as access to affordable machinery and land preparation, the initiative aims to improve their operational capacity.
“The Government have introduced a multifunctional tractors approach a strategic move to empower farmers, potentially leading to increased agricultural output and community development, which will lead to the establishment of a clear framework for tractor distribution and equitably across the State, an indicator of Government commitment to transparency and accountability in the implementation of agricultural support programs.
“And this buttresses why we have created a new department, the Department of Public, Private and Development Partnerships, has been established to facilitate communication and outreach to Cooperatives and Associations, with a Desk Officer that will facilitate Implementation of Government Programs by collaborating with Stakeholders, particularly Cooperatives and Associations as we roll out various programs in 2025; am sure, you are aware of the Project Grow, already in place.
“And to achieve Government target, you will agree with me that there’s a need for Reorganisation of Cooperatives and Associations; that’s restructuring farmers associations that will facilitate to improve access to resources and support for Cooperatives as Government plans to support six Cooperatives in each Local Government Area, each consisting of at least ten members, and a framework for this initiative will be announced soon, and this will mitigate challenges faced by smallholder farmers including land preparation and the costs associated with it, which hinder their ability to scale operations. Hence, the Introduction of Mini and Medium Tractors, as the cost of larger tractors is prohibitive for small-holders. The tractors are designed to be multifunctional, capable of powering communities and performing various agricultural tasks, the process like I earlier stated, will be transparent and standardized across States.
“On this note, I want to assure you of Government total commitment, as we all do know that His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s Administration is responsible and responsive as the People First Government, our fear in that in a few years from now, we might begin to experience shortage of artisan jobs and maybe the unwillingness to office jobs, because majority of the people would be agro-centric,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Ukandi Ogar Emmanuel Iduku,
threw more light on the visit;
“The role of cooperatives in economic, social, and cultural development of States have positioned Cooperative Societies as essential solutions to today’s global challenges; to generating decent work, practice gender equality, provide opportunities for youth, manage resources in a transparent and democratic way, taking care of the ecosystem and promote positive peace; bound in self help through mutual friendship for effective global impact in collaboration to make the world a better place for all.
“Hence, as Stakeholders, the policy trust of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu on agriculture will be more successful when the real Cooperatives Societies that are engaged in the business are carried along to drive the process and not the portfolio or political marauders. And your Ministry have clearly demonstrated knowledgeability of the workings of due process and this we can attest to.
“At the Federal level, Cooperative Department is domicile in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture; please, be rest assured that the Department is not only ready to work with you but will provide also the necessary information needed to identify the registered and practicing Cooperative Societies in the State,” he reiterated.
Prince Emmanuel Edem, moderated the meeting and was appointed by the Honourable Commissioner to be part of Stakeholders responsible to drive the process.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Edem Ebong, Special Adviser (SA) to the Governor on Cooperative Affairs, had visited the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh to drive home the Department and the Cross River State Cooperative Stakeholders Limited Association support for the government policy on agro development and revolution of the Prince Bassey Otu’s Administration as they pledge their unalloyed commitments.
Members on the visit include: Ukandi Ogar Emmanuel Iduku, Sir. Paul Ihwo, Prince Emmanuel Edem, Mr. Simon Ewa, Lady Priscilla Oyama, Mrs. Christy Adinye, Mrs. Esther Obaji, Ms. Antan Okor, Lady Oduak Obeten and Comrade Amawu Cletus Albert Amawu.