Otu's Green Revolution: Agriculture Focus at Leboku Festival

At the 21st edition of the Leboku International New Yam Festival on Monday, Cross River State Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu, represented by Deputy Hon. Peter Odey, reaffirmed his administration's commitment to repositioning agriculture as a key driver of sustainable economic growth and rural prosperity through the Green Economy Revolution. The festival's theme for 2026, ‘Rooted in Culture, Growing in Prosperity,’ aligns with the administration's People First Agenda, focusing on transforming agriculture from subsistence to a commercially viable enterprise.

Odey outlined a comprehensive agricultural intervention program targeting smallholder farmers, which includes establishing cluster farms, providing revolving loans, and deploying agricultural equipment to enhance productivity. He emphasized the importance of mechanization, access to finance, and market linkages to increase yields and incomes.

The Otu administration has also introduced a Public-Private Partnership investment package valued at N70 billion and US$1.075 billion, with a significant portion dedicated to agriculture. Odey stressed that economic prosperity requires peace and stability, urging local leaders to maintain order in their communities.