Empowerment Of Farmers Remains A Continuous Priority – Offor

…As Multi-purpose Cooperative Societies Receive Farm Inputs
By Edidiong Obot 
ITU
The State commissioner for agriculture has reiterated that farmer empowerment remains a continuous and strategic priority aimed at achieving food sufficiency and strengthening food security in the state.
Dr. Offiong Offor stated this during the distribution of farm inputs to Multi-purpose Co-operative Societies at the Cross River Basin Development Authority grounds in Oku Iboku, Itu Local Government Area, recently.
“This is not a one-time exercise, it is continuous,” she emphasised, adding, “We have reached out to farmers cultivating crops such as cassava, water leaves, maize, pepper and more to boost agricultural productivity across the State.”
The commissioner acknowledged the unwavering support of Governor Umo Eno, whose commitment to agricultural development has empowered the Ministry to extend support to rural communities, culminating in the empowerment programme at Oku Iboku.
Representing the commissioner at the event, the permanent secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Atim Okoko, commended the resilience of farmers who attended despite the rainfall, urging them to utilise the farm inputs effectively to maximise productivity.
In his opening remarks, the director of Agriculture, Mr. Emmanuel Asuquo, represented by Mr. Ernest Awakessien, explained that the initiative was designed to enhance the livelihoods of farmers and add value to agricultural production.
He noted that the empowerment drive was being implemented across various local government areas, with Itu Local Government Area as the latest beneficiary.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the general manager of the Cross River Basin Development Authority, Mrs. Esther Udofia; the village head of Ikot Abiya; and the president of the Itu OMA Farmers Association, Elder Effiong Out, who expressed heartfelt appreciation to Governor Umo Eno and the Ministry of Agriculture for the gesture, describing it as the first of its kind in Oku Iboku community.
They also pledged to make judicious use of the farm inputs received.
Also present at the event were directors from the Ministry of Agriculture, representatives from City Bell, Nka Ima, Itu OMA Multi-purpose Co-operative Societies, and members of the Oku Iboku community.
Items distributed included pepper seedlings, pumpkin seeds, and other essential farm inputs.