By Onwa Ekor
The 14th steering committee meeting of the South-South Agro-ecological zone Research, Extension, Farmer, Input, Linkage, System (REFILS), has ended in Calabar, drawing key stakeholders from research institutions, universities, input agencies, development partners and farmer organizations.
The event was organized by Cross River ADP/Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development and the Nigerian Institute For Oil Palm Research (NIFOR).
Earlier at the opening ceremony, the Cross River Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, remarked that this would be the first time in over a decade that the state would be hosting the event.
He lauded the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, for his support and resource allocation, making the hosting possible and underscoring the state’s commitment to agricultural transformation.
Ebokpo described the meeting’s theme, “Strengthening Stakeholders Linkages for Improved Food Security,” as timely amid growing challenges of climate change, population growth and resource constraints.
According to the Commissioner, “food security can only be achieved through a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach that bridges research, input supply, extension services and policy implementation, stating that REFILS platform was highlighted as a vital mechanism that ensures agricultural innovations to reach farmers effectively, instead of remaining dormant on shelves.
He argued that Cross River’s proactive measures under the Otu’s People First mantra, were showcased through the distribution of 3.5 million improved oil palm nuts from the Nigerian Institute of Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), and the ongoing planting of one million Arabica and Robusta coffee seedlings with a targeted goal of 30 million; cassava stem multiplication under the Cassava Value Chain project; as well as the procurement and deployment of 77 motorbikes for extension services, among others.
These integrated efforts, the Commissioner maintained, “are aimed to empower farmers with the right inputs, research backing, and extension guidance to become catalysts for economic growth.”
Recognizing that even the strongest interventions depend on effective linkages, Ebokpo called on participants to explore ways to enhance collaboration, data sharing and coordinated action throughout the event.
He expressed hope that the forum would yield actionable strategies to unlock the agro-ecological zone’s full potential.
On his part, the Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Forestry, Hon. Bette Obi, reaffirmed the support of Cross River House of Assembly for agricultural initiatives, assuring of rapid legislative action for all agriculture-related matters.
Obi remarked that it was on this note that the Assembly, led by Speaker Elvert Ayambem, swiftly passed the Project Grow bill, enabling the establishment of farms across multiple local government areas.
He applauded the governor for his consistent backing of agricultural projects and ensuring express approval of related memos.
Obi, who represents Boki 1 State Constituency in the House of Assembly, promised to raise a motion on the floor of the house, seeking urgent intervention in the dilapidated structure that serves as office of Cross River Agriculture Development Project.
REFILS South South Zonal Coordinator, Dr Solomon Olusegun, explained that the programme aims to bridge the gap between researchers, farmers and input suppliers, while ensuring effective collaboration for improved agricultural productivity.
Olusegun said the Zone abundant rainfall and sunlight, has great agricultural potential, including wheat cultivation in unconventional areas like Cross River, adding that, collaboration across research, farming, and input supply is essential to boosting food production and achieving lasting food security in the region.
Earlier, the Programme Manager of Cross River ADP, Emogor Bassey, emphasized the importance of collaboration to revitalize agriculture in the south south region.
He acknowledged the unwavering commitment of Governor Otu and the support of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development.
The meeting brought together ministries, agricultural experts, researchers and farmers to discuss innovative solutions aimed at sustainable agricultural development.
Attendees used the forum to engage in strategic dialogues, share experiences and forge partnerships to boost agricultural output and improve livelihoods in Cross River, the South South region and Nigeria at large.
