Bansara Community, located within the Ogoja rice belt of Cross River State, is poised for a major agricultural transformation through flood control and irrigation farming under the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project. This development follows the successful conclusion of a technical verification visit by the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) of the SPIN Project to Cross River State.
The federal delegation, led by the Head of Technical Unit on Irrigation and Drainage, Engr. Mrs. Hauwa Sadique, conducted a comprehensive assessment of the proposed site to ascertain its technical feasibility and provide implementation recommendations.
At the project location, the State Project Coordinator, Engr. Mrs. Justina Ulafor, guided the delegation across the expansive farmland spanning approximately 630 hectares. The site is naturally supported by River Ayar, which is expected to serve as a sustainable water source for the planned irrigation infrastructure, enabling year-round farming activities.
The State Project Engineer, Engr. Dr. Ndifon Agbiji, presented detailed engineering designs outlining the proposed layout and key infrastructure components. The presentation facilitated in-depth technical discussions on feasibility, scope, and implementation requirements.
Beyond the physical site inspection, the delegation engaged extensively with community stakeholders, including the Council of Chiefs, youth and women leaders, and the Water Users Association (WUA), which was constituted in accordance with project guidelines. The interactions highlighted the community’s preparedness and institutional structures necessary to support effective implementation and long-term management of the irrigation scheme.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Elder Simon Ebi expressed appreciation to both the Federal and State Governments for selecting Bansara as a beneficiary of the project. He noted that as a predominantly rice-producing community, irrigation-enabled all-season farming would significantly increase yields and improve household incomes.
The Youth Leader, Mr. Anthony Awum, pledged the full cooperation of the youths, assuring the team of adequate security and a conducive working environment for personnel deployed to the site.
The WUA Desk Officer, Barr. Mrs. Theresa Mogbor, commended His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for his deliberate and people-oriented agricultural programmes. She also appreciated the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, for his dedication in advancing the state’s agricultural mandate.
Describing the SPIN Project as a timely intervention capable of addressing challenges such as flooding and drought, Mrs. Mogbor, however, raised concerns regarding limited market access for rice, input supply constraints, and inadequate access to finance. She appealed to government authorities to integrate market linkages and broader value chain considerations into the project framework, while reaffirming the community’s commitment to the project’s success.
In her response, Engr. Mrs. Hauwa Sadique expressed satisfaction with the level of organization and preparedness demonstrated by the community. She emphasized that firsthand site verification is essential for accurate technical reporting and informed decision-making at the federal level. She further assured stakeholders that the project would enhance livelihoods, stimulate economic growth, and significantly boost agricultural productivity in Bansara and its surrounding communities.
With the technical verification successfully concluded, preliminary steps toward project commencement are set to begin, marking the start of a new phase of agricultural growth, resilience, and sustainability for Bansara and the entire Ogoja rice belt.
Blessing Enagu
