Governor Otu Signs On for Statewide Agriculture Irrigation Initiative
Governor Bassey Otu has taken another decisive step in advancing agriculture in Cross River State by launching a statewide irrigation initiative. The governor, through the Ministry of Agriculture, signed a consultancy agreement with Dam Tech Nigeria Limited to oversee the design and procurement of infrastructure for irrigation across the state. The Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, explained that this initiative is part of Governor Otu’s vision to transform Cross River into a leading seed-producing state.
Ebokpo highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts to address agricultural challenges, including the inability to effectively utilize its vast floodplains due to inadequate infrastructure. With this project, the state aims to ensure year-round production of essential grains such as rice, maize, wheat, and cowpea. Additionally, the state has secured a $15 million World Bank initiative to bolster irrigation infrastructure, reflecting Cross River’s commitment to commercial agriculture.
Representatives from Dam Tech Nigeria Limited expressed gratitude for the partnership and pledged to commence work immediately. Governor Otu’s administration has given full backing to this ambitious project, which aligns with the federal government’s Sustainable Power and Innovation Initiative Project (SPIN-Project). The initiative is expected to be a game changer for Cross River’s agricultural sector, empowering the state to harness its natural resources more effectively and sustainably.
