The Cross River State Government has reiterated its strong commitment to agricultural industrialization and food security through strategic partnerships and targeted investments aimed at transforming the state’s agricultural and technology sectors.
This assurance was given during a courtesy visit by Dr. Mike Ervin, Political and Economic Section Chief of the United States Consulate General in Lagos, who led a delegation to the office of the Deputy Governor.
Receiving the team on behalf of Governor Bassey Otu, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, emphasized the state’s development priorities, particularly in agriculture, infrastructure, and technology. He described Cross River as Nigeria’s safest sub-national entity, boasting secure road networks and border points that make it ideal for both business and leisure.
“Cross River State is big on three things—agriculture, infrastructure, and technology,” Dr. Odey said. “In agriculture, we have put in place a framework not only to feed the state but to feed the entire nation.”
He noted that the state’s 18 Local Government Areas are richly endowed for cultivating cash crops such as oil palm, cocoa, and coffee, positioning Cross River as fertile ground for agribusiness investment. Dr. Odey encouraged the U.S. delegation to explore the wealth of opportunities available in the state.
“We are putting together a team of young Cross Riverians who will interface with you and showcase what the state has to offer in these strategic sectors,” he added.
In his remarks, Dr. Ervin commended the Cross River State Government for its warm reception, stating that his visit had validated the positive reports he had received about the state.
“There are various opportunities that exist in Cross River State in agriculture and tourism, and we are here to key into these opportunities,” Dr. Ervin said.
Also present at the meeting were the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony Owan Enoh, and several members of the State Executive Council, including the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang; Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Michael Odere; Commissioner for Youths, Barr. Ijom Ukam; Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Beatrice Igwe; and Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Helen Esamoh.
Others in attendance included the Economic Adviser to the Governor, Professor Peter Oti; Chairman of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission, Mr. Otu Esu Okor; and the Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Chris Ojikpong, among other dignitaries.
