The Cross River State Government has reiterated its commitment to combating food insecurity and building sustainable food systems as the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries Development and other key agricultural stakeholders, commemorated the 2026 World Food Day on October 16, 2026, in Calabar.
Celebrated under the theme “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” the event brought together government officials, farmers, development partners, and other stakeholders to renew their collective commitment to eliminating hunger and strengthening food and nutrition security across the state.
The celebration commenced with an awareness walk from the Ministry of Agriculture through IBB Way and Marian Road, culminating at the Calabar Municipal Council, where an exhibition of agricultural produce and processed food products showcased the potential of the state’s agricultural sector.
In his address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, KSM, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Odey Joseph Ikongha, described the theme as relevant to the urgent need for innovative solutions to food insecurity. He highlighted the deliberate efforts of Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s administration to boost agricultural production, improve farmers’ access to essential inputs, and promote sustainable food systems throughout Cross River State, noting
that the Ministry’s innovative interventions include the seed yam multiplication programme, with 40 community-led seed centres across the state; the cowpea programme, supported by 12 seed centres; and the soybean programme, aimed at strengthening food production and improving farmers’ economic opportunities.
The Commissioner also highlighted the establishment of agricultural research outstations across the three senatorial districts in collaboration with relevant research institutes, as well as irrigation development initiatives designed to promote year-round farming and improve productivity.
He further cited the Coffee Revolution initiative and efforts to develop cocoa, oil palm and other priority crops as part of the state’s strategy to diversify agricultural production, strengthen value chains and create economic opportunities for rural communities. Ebokpo emphasised that these interventions reflect the government’s commitment to building sustainable food systems that improve nutrition, create jobs and strengthen livelihoods.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries Development, Hon. Francis Ekpenyong, represented by Mrs. Glory E. Edet, stressed the importance of collaboration across the agricultural value chain in achieving food and nutrition security, noting that a coordinated approach is essential to building a resilient and productive agricultural sector.
Other critical stakeholders and participating organisations reaffirmed commitment to advancing food security and agricultural development in the state. They included the State Project Coordinator of the FAO-GEF FOLUR-IP Project, Mr. Cletus Ogbidi; the President of Women in Agriculture, Comrade Philomina Eyo; the Second Vice District Governor of Lions Clubs International, Sir Anthony Adeojo; the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Cross River State Chapter, Rev. Nyiam Bisong, represented by the Vice Chairman, Apostle Sunday Effiom; and the State Project Coordinator of the Cross River State Homestead Farming Programme, Chief Nwogu Alban, alongside other agricultural stakeholders.
A major highlight of the celebration was the inspection of exhibition stands featuring fresh agricultural produce and processed food products. The exhibition demonstrated the ingenuity of local farmers and agro-processors, highlighting their contributions to food availability, value addition, employment generation, and economic growth.
In her vote of thanks, the Director of Food and Nutrition in the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development and host of the event, Mrs. Benedethe Ntiero Mgbe, expressed appreciation to Governor Bassey Edet Otu for creating an enabling environment for agricultural development. She also commended the farmers, participating organisations, and other stakeholders for their active participation and contributions to the success of the celebration.
The commemoration reaffirmed Cross River State’s resolve to harness innovation, strengthen agricultural partnerships, and empower farmers towards building a more resilient food system that guarantees food availability, affordability, and improved nutrition for its citizens.
By Blessing Enagu
