GOV OTU FLAGS OFF DISTRIBUTION OF 108 SUBSIDISED MINI TRACTORS TO FARMERS’ COOPERATIVES IN CROSS RIVER STATE

 

✓ Governor Reaffirms Commitment to Agricultural Mechanisation and Food Security under the People First Agenda

✓ Commissioner Ebokpo: “Each Tractor Is Fully Registered, Insured, and Fitted with Tracking Device for Transparency”

✓ Farmers to Operate as Service Providers under Cooperative Ownership Model- Governor Otu.

By Amawu, Cletus Albert Amawu.

 

 

Calabar, Nigeria – Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, on Friday, 10th October 2025, officially flagged off the distribution of subsidised mini tractors to farmers’ cooperatives across the State, in what he described as “the beginning of a mechanisation revolution” in the agricultural sector.

 

The event, held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development Headquarters in Calabar, marks a major step in the Otu administration’s commitment to reposition agriculture as the cornerstone of the State’s economic transformation agenda.

Governor Otu disclosed that 108 mini tractors were being deployed in the first phase of the scheme, with a clear projection to distribute 324 tractors within three years across all local government areas.

“When we assumed office, we made a firm commitment to reposition agriculture as the cornerstone of our development strategy,” the Governor stated.

“Our engagements with farmers revealed that the biggest constraint to productivity is land preparation, which accounts for over 70 per cent of total input costs. These mini tractors are our strategic response to that challenge.”

 

He explained that the mini tractors are robust, fuel-efficient, and adaptable to Cross River’s unique terrain, aimed at reducing production costs and labour intensity while boosting output and income for smallholder farmers.

 

According to him, the tractors are not merely being distributed as handouts but are allocated to carefully screened farmers’ cooperatives that will operate as service providers offering affordable mechanisation services to other farmers within their communities.

“This cooperative model ensures shared ownership, responsible management, and broad access to mechanisation at the grassroots,” Otu said.

“Our vision is to reduce the drudgery of traditional farming, enhance productivity, and empower our farmers to farm more, earn more, and feed more.”

 

 

The Governor further highlighted a range of ongoing agricultural initiatives, including the Cassava Seed Multiplication Project, Project Grow for maize and soybean cultivation to supply Flour Mills Plc, the pilot Sorghum Programme for Champion Breweries, and efforts to establish new Cocoa and Coffee Estates through a public-private partnership model.

“A lot of reforms are springing up within our agricultural sector,” he noted.

“This tractor distribution is a tangible expression of our People’s First agricultural transformation agenda anchored on mechanisation, value chain development, and inclusive growth.”

 

Declaring the programme open, Otu concluded with a call for responsible management of the tractors, emphasising that “food security is national security, and agriculture remains the engine of our economic future.”

 

 

 

COMMISSIONER EBOKPO HAILS GOVERNOR’S VISIONARY LEADERSHIP

 

In his address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson A. Ebokpo, described the flag-off as “a big leap in the journey towards agricultural transformation” under Governor Otu’s leadership.

“This initiative demonstrates His Excellency’s commitment to building a productive, modern, and inclusive agrifood system where our farmers can thrive and our State can achieve food security,” Ebokpo stated.

 

He explained that each tractor is equipped with five key implements, a plough, ridger, harrow, planter, and a one-ton trailer bucket, to support various farm operations, with rotary tillers to be introduced in the next phase for rice farmers.

“For smooth coordination and accountability, each tractor has been fitted with a tracking device,” he said.

“They are duly registered with the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service, insured by Leadway Assurance, and backed by a contract agreement from the Ministry of Justice.”

 

Ebokpo further noted that beneficiaries were carefully screened and trained through a two-day intensive session covering both theory and practical operation of the machines.

“This ensures that farmers are not only equipped with machines but also with the knowledge and skills to operate, manage, and maintain them efficiently,” he added.

 

 

The Commissioner emphasised that the cooperative ownership model will transform farming into a community-based business enterprise, creating jobs, promoting youth participation, and boosting local economies.

 

He also commended Her Excellency, Bishop (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for supporting women’s participation in the scheme, describing it as a reflection of the inclusive spirit of the People First administration.

“What the Governor has done is to open a new chapter where Cross River farmers can now move from subsistence to commercial, technology-driven, and inclusive agriculture,” he said.

 

Ebokpo reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to continuous monitoring, training, and technical support to ensure sustainability and maximum impact of the scheme.

“Together, we are laying the groundwork for an integrated, sustainable, and competitive agrifood system that can feed our people, create jobs, and grow the economy of our State and nation,” the Commissioner affirmed.

 

 

LAWMAKER LAUDS OTU’S GOD-SENT LEADERSHIP

 

The Member Representing Boki I State Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Bette Obi, described the event as “a great day for Cross Riverians.”

“Your Excellency, I have been around as a politician and have served in government over the years, but what I have seen today has never happened before. It is true that you are God-sent to liberate us from the long-suffering Cross Riverians have endured,” he declared.

 

He further thanked the Governor for his people-centred leadership and commended the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, whom he described as “one of the best commissioners in the administration.”

He urged farmers to seize the opportunity to utilise the tractors effectively, noting that “if you do, the dreams of our Governor to feed the world will come to pass.”

 

 

BESPOKE CONCEPTS CEO COMMENDS PARTNERSHIP AND REVEALS PLANS FOR TRACTOR ASSEMBLY PLANT

 

The Chief Executive Officer of Bespoke Concepts Limited, Mr. Femi Odeleye, hailed the initiative as “a defining moment for smallholder farmers across Cross River State.”

“Agriculture is the heartbeat of our economy, and this initiative reaffirms the commitment of the Otu-led administration to empower farmers with the tools they need to thrive,” Odeleye said.

 

He praised the State Government for championing a “Buy Made in Nigeria” policy and revealed plans by his company to establish a tractor assembly plant in Calabar, which, according to him, would create over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs.

“This initiative will transform subsistence farming into commercial agriculture, reduce drudgery, increase yields, and create jobs for young people across the agricultural value chain,” he stated.

“Cross River is our first partner state in Nigeria, and we are proud to be part of this transformative journey.”

 

 

AFAN STATE CHAIRMAN PRAISES GOVERNOR OTU’S HISTORIC IMPACT

 

The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Cross River State Chapter, Rev. Ojikpong Nyiam Bisong, expressed profound appreciation to the Governor, describing him as “the Michael Okpara of our time.”

“We know no other governor in Nigeria today who is doing what you are doing, and we are proud of you,” Rev. Bisong said.

“When God created man, He placed man’s spare parts in the soil, and because you have taken it upon yourself to bring those spare parts from the soil to enrich humanity, you are standing in the place of God.”

 

He assured the Governor of AFAN’s continued cooperation and presented a token of appreciation on behalf of the State’s farmers.

 

 

WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE EXPRESS GRATITUDE AND SOLIDARITY

 

The Leader of Women in Agriculture, Comrade Philomena Bassey Eyo, praised Governor Otu and the First Lady for their unwavering support for women farmers.

“We are the women who till the soil. When you talk of farming, women are the bedrock,” she said.

“Today, with the launch of these tractors, we have moved from analogue to digital. We appreciate your efforts in transforming agriculture in the State.”

 

Comrade Eyo assured that the women farmers would continue to stand firmly with the Governor and his administration, declaring that “we know good leadership when we see it.”

 

 

A NEW ERA FOR CROSS RIVER AGRICULTURE

The distribution of subsidised mini tractors marks yet another milestone in Governor Otu’s agricultural reform drive, designed to stimulate productivity, reduce poverty, and ensure food security.

 

With initiatives such as Project Grow, Cassava Seed Multiplication, and cash crop estate development, Cross River State is fast positioning itself as Nigeria’s next agribusiness hub, where mechanised farming, cooperative empowerment, and sustainable food systems drive inclusive growth and prosperity.