Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River has reiterated his administration’s need to transition the state from subsistence agriculture to agricultural mechanisation.
Otu made the decision on the 2024 annual Leboku New Yam competition of Yakurr folks on Thursday in Ugep, with the theme: “Group mobilisation for sustainable progress.”
Represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the governor, mentioned the state had procured mild and heavy-duty equipment to allow agricultural entrepreneurs to embark on large-scale manufacturing of rice, cassava, oil palm, cocoa and yams to make sure meals safety within the state.
Talking additional, he recommended the Paramount Ruler of Yakurr and Obol Lopon of Ugep, Obol Ofem Eteng, for sustaining peace inside his area, including that data confirmed that since his enthronement, there had been concord and socio-economic improvement in Yakurr.
He acknowledged the deliberate initiatives of his predecessors within the state in utilizing the Leboku competition to encourage meals manufacturing and to showcase the wealthy cultural endowments of the Yakurr folks.
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“Whereas my administration is poised to maintain the momentum of this competition and even surpass its earlier achievements, we are going to proceed to push agriculturally to make sure meals safety in Cross River,” he mentioned.
Earlier, the Paramount Ruler of Yakurr recommended the governor and different dignitaries of the state for gracing the event and for the sustained assist the Leboku Worldwide New Yam Competition had loved.
He added that he would proceed to encourage residents of Yakurr, particularly youths and girls to embark on agriculture as a viable and sustainable technique of livelihood.
The Information Company of Nigeria (NAN) studies that the leboku New Yam Competition is among the agro-cultural festivals of Cross River celebrated between July and August yearly in honour of the earth goddess for a bountiful harvest. (NAN)
