In fulfillment of his People First agenda and commitment to the people of Etung, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Executive Governor of Cross River State, has approved the release of the sum of ₦86 million to Etung Cocoa Estate Landlord Communities for the payment of land rent arrears from cocoa allocations for the period 2024–2027.
At a cheque presentation ceremony held on Wednesday, at the Traditional Rulers’ Council Chamber in Effraya, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, lauded Governor Otu for fulfilling his campaign promises to the communities. He described the Governor as a visionary leader who exemplifies trust, transparency, probity, equity, and fairness.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Elder Dr. Odey Ikongah, the Honourable Commissioner recalled that the Ministry engaged tirelessly with the Cocoa Landlord Committee, culminating in the historic presentation of cheques to the deserving host communities.
He commended the committee for its diligence and expressed appreciation to the communities for their patience throughout the process. He further urged them to continue to maintain peace, tranquillity, and the security of government assets within their domains, while encouraging sustained support for government agricultural programmes and policies.
The Commissioner also reaffirmed Gov. Bassey Otu's commitment to strengthening the cocoa subsector as a long-standing pillar of the State’s agricultural economy, while noting that coffee is being introduced as an emerging value chain. He added that plans are at an advanced stage for the establishment of new cocoa estates alongside the development of coffee plantations.
Also speaking, the Director of Finance and Supply, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Dr. Nicholas Obun Dan, disclosed that formal instructions had been issued to the bank for the disbursement of funds in line with the mutually agreed sharing formula that was made available to the Ministry. He presented supporting financial documents to that effect.
Earlier, the Acting Paramount Ruler of Etung, HRM Ntufam Amb. Anthony Ntui Etta II, expressed gratitude to God for what he described as a historic day for the Etung people, especially the Cocoa Estate Landlord Communities.
“Today is a very wonderful day for our people,” he stated, noting that the communities have remained peaceful and patient despite longstanding challenges, holding firmly to the promises made by the Governor.
The royal father appreciated the Governor for fulfilling his promise and openly pledged the total support of his people for Governor Otu’s re-election bid. He further revealed that a delegation would pay a courtesy visit to the Governor to express gratitude and present additional concerns, including outstanding arrears.
Similarly, the Secretary of the Etung Cocoa Landlords Committee, Barr. Hollis Bassey Isong, described the day as a very special occasion that brought joy to the people of Etung, particularly his community, Ajassor. He lamented that the communities had experienced neglect and denial for over 20 years, despite their land contributions, and noted that past governments had failed to deliver tangible benefits.
He commended Governor Otu for keeping his word, stating that although the amount released is below expectations, the Governor has proven himself a man of integrity and deserves a second term.
Barr. Isong also expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, the Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Owan Enoh, and members of the Etung Cocoa Landlord Committee for their steadfastness and efforts throughout the process.
In separate remarks, Ntufam Philip Ojong Bisong from Bendeghe and Mbek Agbor Tangban from Etomi commended the Governor for bringing relief to the communities. They noted that prior tensions and youth restiveness, fueled by misinformation about the land rent, would now be addressed following the disbursement.
They, however, expressed concerns over the amount released and the delay in the process, appealing to the State Government to adopt the SmartGov account system for future payments.
Cheques were presented to the following Etung Cocoa Estate Landlord Communities: Abia, Agbokim Obi, Ajassor, Bendeghe-Ekiem, Efraya, Ekimaya, Ekugatai, and Etomi, based on equity contributions and the mutually agreed sharing formula. Following the cheque presentation, documentation was duly completed by representatives of the beneficiary communities.
The exercise was also witnessed by the Ministry’s Internal Auditor, Mr. George Afreke.
Blessing Enagu
